What is the average salary in Bellingham, WA?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Bellingham, WA?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Counselor
Average Salary: $77,064
Counselors help individuals overcome challenges. They provide therapy and support. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices.
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What are the best paying jobs in Bellingham, WA without a degree?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Bellingham, WA?

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PeaceHealth
Average Salary: $107,743
PeaceHealth provides excellent healthcare services. They focus on whole person care, offering jobs with great benefits and competitive pay.
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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.
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Favorite Healthcare Staffing
Average Salary: $99,704
Favorite Healthcare Staffing offers staffing solutions for healthcare professionals. They provide jobs with good pay and benefits.
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Anchor QEA
Average Salary: $83,951
Anchor QEA provides management consulting. They work with healthcare and social service organizations, offering jobs with stable pay.
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Capstone Physical Therapy
Average Salary: $78,838
Capstone Physical Therapy offers physical therapy services. They provide a supportive work environment with competitive pay.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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?

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.



