What is the average salary in Bellingham, WA?
Job seekers in Bellingham, WA, can expect a range of salaries across different fields. Bellingham offers competitive wages with an average yearly salary of about $64,707. The city's job market spans across various sectors, each with its own salary range.
Industries with notable salaries include professional and business services, which pay around $103,277 per year, and healthcare and social assistance, offering salaries near $63,703 annually. Other sectors such as education, retail trade, and manufacturing also present opportunities for various salary levels. This diversity allows job seekers to find positions that match their skills and experience.
What are the best paying jobs in Bellingham, WA?

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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $142,463
They provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Leading healthcare facilities include St. Joseph Hospital and PeaceHealth.
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Dental Hygienist
Average Salary: $136,124
They clean teeth and educate patients on oral care. They work in dental offices. Key employers are Bellingham Dental Care and Northwest Family Dental.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $108,531
They care for patients and assist doctors. They work in hospitals and clinics. Top employers include PeaceHealth and St. Joseph Hospital.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $105,530
They help patients recover and improve skills. They work in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. Key employers are Bellingham Rehabilitation Hospital and PeaceHealth.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $102,620
They oversee tech projects and guide teams. They work in tech companies. Notable employers are Itron and Bell Media.
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Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $86,182
They treat patients with breathing issues. They work in hospitals. Major employers are PeaceHealth and St. Joseph Hospital.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $86,105
They sell products to businesses. They often work for tech companies. Key employers include Microsoft and Itron.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $84,073
They study and improve behavior. They work in schools and clinics. Notable employers are Autism Learning Partners and Northwest Family Dental.
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Electrician
Average Salary: $80,129
They install and maintain electrical systems. They work for contractors. Key employers include Bellingham Electric and Northwest Electrical.
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Human Resources Manager
Average Salary: $79,294
They manage HR functions in a company. They work with staff and ensure compliance. Key employers are Itron and PeaceHealth.
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What are the best paying jobs in Bellingham, WA without a degree?

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Floating Operator
Average Salary: $52,703
A floating operator works on construction sites, using heavy machinery. They are needed to maintain the city’s infrastructure. Companies hiring for this role include construction firms like Northwest Tree and others in the construction industry.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $47,732
A meat cutter carves and packages meat in grocery stores. This role is crucial in the food industry, ensuring customers have access to fresh products. Companies hiring for this position include local grocery stores and retail outlets.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $44,670
Landscaping involves maintaining and designing outdoor spaces. Workers in this field create beautiful gardens and well-kept grounds. They are hired by landscaping companies and homeowners who want to enhance their outdoor areas.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Bellingham, WA?

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PeaceHealth
Average Salary: $112,811
PeaceHealth offers healthcare services with a focus on quality and safety. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment and the opportunity to make a real difference in patient care.
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Optum
Average Salary: $105,393
Optum is a leading information and technology-enabled health services business. It offers a wide range of career opportunities in healthcare, providing employees with growth potential and a dynamic work environment.
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Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Average Salary: $98,536
Favorite Healthcare Staffing specializes in connecting healthcare professionals with temporary positions. The company values flexibility and offers competitive pay to attract top talent.
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Capstone Physical Therapy
Average Salary: $81,676
Capstone Physical Therapy provides rehabilitation services and focuses on patient recovery. Employees work in a collaborative environment dedicated to improving patient outcomes.
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Unity Care NW
Average Salary: $79,120
Unity Care NW offers comprehensive healthcare services, emphasizing community health and wellness. The company supports its staff with professional development and a caring atmosphere.
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City of Bellingham
Average Salary: $75,681
The City of Bellingham provides various municipal services and supports the community. Employees enjoy a stable work environment and opportunities for professional growth.
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Whatcom County
Average Salary: $74,659
Whatcom County offers diverse career opportunities in public service. It values teamwork and provides a supportive environment for its employees.
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Compass Health
Average Salary: $74,294
Compass Health focuses on mental health and substance use disorder services. The company offers a caring environment and supports its staff with ongoing training and development.
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Proliance Surgeons
Average Salary: $73,037
Proliance Surgeons specializes in surgical services. The company provides a dynamic work environment and supports its staff with professional growth opportunities.
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Western Washington University
Average Salary: $72,577
Western Washington University offers educational services and supports academic excellence. The university provides a supportive work environment and opportunities for professional development.
How does the cost of living in Bellingham, WA compare to the national average?

The cost of living index in Bellingham, Washington, shows that housing costs are notably higher than the nationwide average. Specifically, the housing index is at 123, which is 23% above the national benchmark of 100. This means that job seekers considering Bellingham might find housing prices to be a significant factor in their overall living expenses. Additionally, groceries also tend to be more expensive, with an index of 105, representing a 5% increase compared to the national average.
Bellingham's utilities and healthcare costs are slightly below the national average, which could offer some relief to those relocating. The utility index stands at 98, which is 2% lower, and the healthcare index is at 102, just 2% higher. This slight decrease in utility costs might help offset some of the higher housing expenses, offering a balanced view of living costs in the area. Furthermore, transportation costs are also relatively lower, with an index of 95, meaning they are 5% below the national average. Despite the elevated costs in some areas, Bellingham provides a mix of affordability and higher expenses, making it essential for job seekers to weigh all factors before making a move.



