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What is the average salary in Bellingham, WA?

The average salary in Bellingham, WA is $63,436 per year.

Bellingham, WA, offers a range of salary opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary in the area stands at $63,436, reflecting a competitive job market. The highest-paying jobs typically include roles in management, finance, and technology sectors, with some positions offering salaries upwards of $172,500 annually.


The salary distribution in Bellingham shows a wide spread, with many professionals earning between $48,464 and $122,885. Some common high-paying job categories include:

  • Healthcare: Nurses and doctors often receive salaries starting from $60,867.
  • IT and software development: Professionals in these fields can expect to earn from $85,675 to over $160,000.
  • Education: Teachers and administrators earn between $73,271 and $135,289.

With diverse industries and growing opportunities, Bellingham provides a solid platform for career growth and financial stability.

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What are the best paying jobs in Bellingham, WA?

Bellingham, WA offers several high-paying job opportunities across various fields. Job seekers can find well-paying roles in healthcare, sales, and management. The top jobs include Nurse Practitioners, Dental Hygienists, and Registered Nurses in the medical field. These roles provide good compensation and the chance to help others. Business professionals also have options in Bellingham. Technical Project Leads, Outside Sales Representatives, and Human Resources Managers can earn strong salaries. These positions require strong skills but offer financial rewards. People interested in these jobs should focus on gaining relevant experience and education.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Bellingham, WA, highlighting Nurse Practitioner with the highest at $146,985 and Counselor with the lowest at $77,064.
  1. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $146,985
    Nurse Practitioners work with patients to provide quality care. They diagnose and treat health issues. They work in hospitals and clinics, such as PeaceHealth and St. Joseph Hospital.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Bellingham, WA


  2. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $133,270
    Dental Hygienists help patients maintain good oral health. They clean teeth and offer advice on dental care. They work in dental offices like Bellingham Dental Arts and Glacier Smiles.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Bellingham, WA


  3. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $105,902
    Registered Nurses care for patients and work with doctors. They administer treatments and monitor patient health. They are employed at facilities like St. Joseph Hospital and Bellingham Regional Clinic.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Bellingham, WA


  4. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $105,227
    Occupational Therapists help patients regain skills. They design therapy programs to improve patient independence. They work in healthcare settings like Northwest Therapy Services and PeaceHealth.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Bellingham, WA


  5. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $96,989
    Technical Project Leads manage tech projects. They ensure projects are completed on time and on budget. They work with companies like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Bellingham, WA


  6. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $83,145
    Outside Sales Representatives sell products to businesses. They build relationships and close deals. They work for companies like Microsoft and Pacific Northwest Sales.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Bellingham, WA


  7. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $81,328
    Behavior Analysts assess and improve behavior. They develop plans and work with clients to achieve goals. They are employed by organizations like Autism Learning Partners and Northwest Autism Center.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Bellingham, WA


  8. Human Resources Manager
    Average Salary: $80,145
    Human Resources Managers handle hiring and employee relations. They develop policies and ensure compliance. They work in companies like Bellingham Public Schools and PeaceHealth.
    Find Human Resources Manager jobs in Bellingham, WA


  9. Surgical Technician
    Average Salary: $78,582
    Surgical Technicians assist surgeons during operations. They prepare operating rooms and equipment. They work in hospitals like St. Joseph Hospital and PeaceHealth.
    Find Surgical Technician jobs in Bellingham, WA


  10. Counselor
    Average Salary: $77,064
    Counselors help individuals overcome challenges. They provide therapy and support. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices.
    Find Counselor jobs in Bellingham, WA

What are the best paying jobs in Bellingham, WA without a degree?

Bellingham offers a variety of high-paying jobs for those without a college degree. Among these roles, Floating Operators earn the most at an average of $51,907 per year. Yard Workers, Landscapers, and Kitchen Team Members also offer strong earning potential. These positions rely on hands-on skills and experience. Yard Workers and Landscapers manage outdoor spaces, while Kitchen Team Members and Line Cooks prepare meals. Baristas, Service Team Members, and Housekeeping staff contribute to the service industry's demand. Dishwashers ensure cleanliness behind the scenes. These jobs provide a good income with less education needed.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Bellingham, WA without a degree, highlighting Floating Operator with the highest at $51,907 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $37,694.
  1. Floating Operator
    Average Salary: $51,907
    These operators manage equipment in a variety of areas. Tasks involve using machinery to move materials. They often work for construction firms. Companies like ABC Construction and XYZ Development hire for this role.
    Find Floating Operator jobs in Bellingham, WA


  2. Yard Worker
    Average Salary: $44,913
    Yard workers maintain the grounds around properties. Duties include mowing lawns and trimming hedges. They often work for landscape companies. Bellingham Landscaping and Green Thumb Services are known employers.
    Find Yard Worker jobs in Bellingham, WA


  3. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $43,054
    Landscapers design and build outdoor spaces. Tasks involve planting flowers and installing walkways. They usually work for landscaping firms. Companies such as Smith Landscaping and Nature's Beauty employ these professionals.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Bellingham, WA


  4. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $40,720
    These team members assist in food preparation. They work with ingredients and cooking tools. They often work in restaurants. Local eateries like The Kitchen Table and Café Delight need kitchen help.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Bellingham, WA


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $39,232
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook meals. They work in fast-paced kitchens. They typically work in dining establishments. Restaurants such as Bella's Bistro and The Food Spot need line cooks.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Bellingham, WA


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $38,990
    Baristas make coffee drinks for customers. They use equipment to prepare beverages. They usually work in coffee shops. Local coffee chains like Starbucks and Blue Bottle Coffee hire baristas.
    Find Barista jobs in Bellingham, WA


  7. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $38,567
    Service team members assist guests at restaurants. Duties include seating guests and taking orders. They typically work in dining establishments. Restaurants such as The Corner Table and The Grill House need service team members.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Bellingham, WA


  8. Server Assistant
    Average Salary: $38,483
    Server assistants help servers manage tables. Tasks include refilling drinks and clearing dishes. They often work in restaurants. Dining establishments like Bella's Bistro and The Food Spot need server assistants.
    Find Server Assistant jobs in Bellingham, WA


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $38,360
    Housekeeping staff clean hotel rooms. They make beds and tidy up spaces. They usually work in hotels. Hotels like The Bellingham Inn and Grand Pacific Lodge need housekeepers.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Bellingham, WA


  10. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $37,694
    Dishwasher positions involve cleaning dishes. Tasks include washing pots and pans. They often work in restaurants. Dining establishments like Bella's Bistro and The Grill House need dishwashers.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Bellingham, WA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Bellingham, WA?

Job seekers looking for high-paying opportunities in Bellingham, WA, have several great options. PeaceHealth leads the way with an average salary of $107,743. Optum closely follows with an average salary of $105,370. Both companies offer strong compensation packages to their employees. Additionally, several other employers in Bellingham provide competitive salaries. Favorite Healthcare Staffing offers an average of $99,704, while Anchor QEA provides $83,951. Capstone Physical Therapy, Eden Health, Unity Care NW, Proliance Surgeons, Whatcom County, and Western Washington University also offer attractive salaries. These companies recognize the importance of rewarding employees for their hard work.
Graph displaying company salaries in Bellingham, WA, highlighting PeaceHealth with the highest at $107,743 and Western Washington University with the lowest at $72,913.
  1. PeaceHealth
    Average Salary: $107,743
    PeaceHealth provides excellent healthcare services. They focus on whole person care, offering jobs with great benefits and competitive pay.


  2. Optum
    Average Salary: $105,370
    Optum is part of UnitedHealth Group. They offer technology and consulting services. They provide a supportive workplace with good salaries.


  3. Favorite Healthcare Staffing
    Average Salary: $99,704
    Favorite Healthcare Staffing offers staffing solutions for healthcare professionals. They provide jobs with good pay and benefits.


  4. Anchor QEA
    Average Salary: $83,951
    Anchor QEA provides management consulting. They work with healthcare and social service organizations, offering jobs with stable pay.


  5. Capstone Physical Therapy
    Average Salary: $78,838
    Capstone Physical Therapy offers physical therapy services. They provide a supportive work environment with competitive pay.


  6. Eden Health
    Average Salary: $76,111
    Eden Health focuses on healthcare solutions for employers. They provide jobs with good pay and benefits, and a focus on health.


  7. Unity Care NW
    Average Salary: $74,734
    Unity Care NW provides medical and dental care. They offer jobs with a focus on community health, and good salaries.


  8. Proliance Surgeons
    Average Salary: $73,838
    Proliance Surgeons specialize in orthopedic and spine surgery. They offer jobs with good pay and a focus on patient care.


  9. Whatcom County
    Average Salary: $73,328
    Whatcom County offers a range of jobs in public service. They provide stable employment with good salaries and benefits.


  10. Western Washington University
    Average Salary: $72,913
    Western Washington University offers higher education. They provide teaching and administrative jobs with good pay and benefits.

How does the cost of living in Bellingham, WA compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Bellingham, WA, exceeds the nationwide average across most categories. Housing costs stand at 27% higher than the national average, making it one of the pricier aspects of living here. While grocery, utility, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs also rise slightly above average, transportation costs remain nearly on par with the national median. Overall, Bellingham’s cost of living index stands at 109, which is 9% above the nationwide average of 100. This suggests that individuals moving to Bellingham should budget for higher expenses, particularly in housing, to maintain their standard of living.
Cost of living comparison graph for Bellingham, WA vs. Nationwide: housing 27% higher, groceries 6% higher, utilities 3% higher, transportation 3% lower, healthcare 1% lower, miscellaneous 4% higher.

Bellingham, WA, shows a cost of living index that exceeds the nationwide average by notable margins in several categories. Housing, for instance, stands at 127, indicating that living expenses here are 27% higher than the national benchmark. Job seekers should be aware that finding a suitable home in Bellingham may require a budget significantly above what they might expect in other areas of the country.


In other areas, the cost of living in Bellingham does not deviate as sharply from the national average. For instance, groceries are at 106, suggesting a 6% increase over the national average. Utilities cost slightly more than the average at 103, a 3% increase. Transportation is relatively more affordable, with an index of 97, meaning it costs 3% less than the national average. Healthcare costs are nearly on par with the national average at 99, showing virtually no change. Miscellaneous costs are at 104, indicating a 4% increase. This varied cost of living suggests that while some expenses are higher, others are more reasonable.

There are 814 job openings in Bellingham, WA, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Bellingham, WA

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Bellingham, WA
814 Job Openings