Salaries in Seattle, WA

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Seattle, WA?

The average salary in Seattle, WA is $94,720 per year.

Seattle, WA offers competitive salaries across various industries. The average salary is around $94,720. This makes it a great place for job seekers looking for good pay. The highest-paying jobs include software development, finance, and healthcare. These roles often pay over $100,000 a year.


Here are some specific salary ranges in Seattle:

  • Software Development: $127,386 to $232,850
  • Finance: $109,809 to $215,273
  • Healthcare: $92,232 to $197,695
  • Marketing: $57,077 to $144,964
  • Education: $39,500 to $162,541
These figures show the potential for earning a good income in Seattle.

View jobs in Seattle, WA

What are the best paying jobs in Seattle, WA?

Seattle offers a variety of high-paying jobs across different industries. Leading the list is the psychiatrist, with an average salary of over $320,000. Other top-paying jobs include physicians, professors, and machine learning engineers, all earning over $190,000 annually. These positions require specialized skills and education, but they offer excellent compensation and career growth.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Seattle, WA, highlighting Psychiatrist with the highest at $321,552 and Principal Engineer with the lowest at $196,219.
  1. Psychiatrist
    Average Salary: $321,552
    This role involves diagnosing and treating mental health issues. Psychiatrists work with patients, often in hospitals or private practices. Companies like Swedish Medical Center and Virginia Mason offer opportunities.
    Find Psychiatrist jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Physician
    Average Salary: $275,360
    Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Seattle has many healthcare providers, including Kaiser Permanente and MultiCare.
    Find Physician jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Primary Care Physician
    Average Salary: $239,806
    These doctors provide general health care. They see patients for routine check-ups and treat common illnesses. Many healthcare facilities in Seattle, such as Seattle Children's and UW Medicine, hire primary care physicians.
    Find Primary Care Physician jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Professor
    Average Salary: $227,004
    Professors teach and conduct research. They work at universities and colleges. Seattle's educational institutions, like the University of Washington and Seattle University, offer many opportunities.
    Find Professor jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Deputy Director
    Average Salary: $222,775
    This role involves overseeing operations. Deputy directors work in various sectors, including healthcare and education. Companies like Seattle Children's and Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center often hire for these roles.
    Find Deputy Director jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Internal Medicine Physician
    Average Salary: $221,951
    These doctors specialize in adult health. They diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Many healthcare providers in Seattle, such as Virginia Mason and Swedish Medical Center, seek internal medicine physicians.
    Find Internal Medicine Physician jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $210,495
    Dentists provide oral health care. They perform cleanings, fillings, and other procedures. Seattle has many dental practices, including Delta Dental and Kaiser Permanente Dental.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. Machine Learning Engineer
    Average Salary: $199,563
    These engineers develop algorithms. They work on projects that involve data analysis and automation. Tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer many opportunities in Seattle.
    Find Machine Learning Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Chief Operating Officer
    Average Salary: $197,184
    This role involves managing daily operations. COOs work in various industries, including healthcare and tech. Companies like Providence and Boeing often hire for these roles.
    Find Chief Operating Officer jobs in Seattle, WA


  10. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $196,219
    Principal engineers lead development teams. They work on complex projects and ensure quality. Tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft offer many opportunities in Seattle.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA

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

Seattle offers many high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. These roles often provide good pay and opportunities for growth. For example, a Floating Operator can earn over $113,000 a year. Equipment Managers and Kitchen Managers also make over $90,000 annually. Other well-paying jobs include Canvassers, To Go Specialists, and Concrete Finishers. These positions offer salaries ranging from $54,600 to $69,000. Roles like Restaurant Manager, Arborist Climber, and Recreation Assistant also provide good pay. These jobs show that a degree is not always needed to earn a good living in Seattle.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Seattle, WA without a degree, highlighting Floating Operator with the highest at $113,142 and Landscaper with the lowest at $54,625.
  1. Floating Operator
    Average Salary: $113,142
    This role involves operating a floating device to maintain a clean surface. It is a key part of construction and maintenance projects. Companies like construction firms and maintenance services hire for this role.
    Find Floating Operator jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Equipment Manager
    Average Salary: $91,423
    Manages and maintains equipment for various businesses. This includes ensuring all tools and machinery are in good working order. Companies in manufacturing and logistics often hire for this role.
    Find Equipment Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $89,145
    Oversees kitchen operations in restaurants and food service establishments. This involves managing staff, inventory, and ensuring food quality. Many local restaurants and cafes offer this position.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  4. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $69,183
    Promotes products or services by visiting homes and businesses. This role requires good communication skills. Political campaigns and local businesses often hire canvassers.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $65,760
    Handles the preparation and packaging of food for takeout. This role is crucial in fast-food and casual dining restaurants. Companies like fast-food chains and local eateries offer this position.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA


  6. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $64,822
    Works on construction sites to smooth and finish concrete surfaces. This role is essential for building structures. Construction companies and contractors hire for this position.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Seattle, WA


  7. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $60,764
    Manages the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. This includes overseeing staff, handling customer service, and ensuring smooth operations. Many restaurants and cafes offer this role.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Seattle, WA


  8. Arborist Climber
    Average Salary: $56,843
    Climbs trees to trim and maintain them. This role is important for maintaining urban greenery. Tree care companies and landscaping firms hire for this position.
    Find Arborist Climber jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Recreation Assistant
    Average Salary: $56,008
    Assists in organizing and leading recreational activities. This role is often found in community centers and parks. Local government and community organizations offer this position.
    Find Recreation Assistant jobs in Seattle, WA


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $54,625
    Works on maintaining and designing outdoor spaces. This includes planting, trimming, and landscaping. Landscaping companies and property management firms hire for this role.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Seattle, WA

Which companies offer the top salaries in Seattle, WA?

Seattle offers many job seekers the chance to work for top-paying companies. Palo Alto Networks leads the way with an average salary of $257,734. ByteDance and Apple follow closely, with average salaries of $218,638 and $213,641, respectively. Other companies in Seattle also offer competitive salaries. For example, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pays an average of $211,352. Expedia Partner Solutions, Coupang, and TikTok also offer salaries above $180,000. DoorDash, Qualtrics, and Mindful Therapy Group provide salaries that are still quite attractive, ranging from $176,425 to $177,639. These companies show that Seattle is a great place for job seekers looking for good pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Seattle, WA, highlighting Palo Alto Networks with the highest at $257,734 and Mindful Therapy Group with the lowest at $176,222.
  1. Palo Alto Networks
    Average Salary: $257,734
    Palo Alto Networks is a cybersecurity company. They offer cloud-based security solutions. Their work helps protect businesses and organizations from cyber threats.


  2. ByteDance
    Average Salary: $218,638
    ByteDance is a technology company. They create software and services. Their most famous product is TikTok, a popular video-sharing app.


  3. Apple
    Average Salary: $213,641
    Apple is a tech giant. They design and sell consumer electronics, computers, and software. Their products include iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.


  4. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
    Average Salary: $211,352
    The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a nonprofit. They work to improve health and reduce poverty. They also support education and technology in developing countries.


  5. Expedia Partner Solutions
    Average Salary: $193,053
    Expedia Partner Solutions is a travel company. They help people find and book travel arrangements. They work with hotels, airlines, and car rental companies.


  6. Coupang
    Average Salary: $186,193
    Coupang is an e-commerce company. They sell a wide range of products. They focus on fast delivery and customer service.


  7. TikTok
    Average Salary: $180,556
    TikTok is a social media platform. Users create and share short videos. It is owned by ByteDance and has become very popular worldwide.


  8. DoorDash
    Average Salary: $177,639
    DoorDash is a food delivery service. They connect customers with local restaurants. People can order food and have it delivered to their homes.


  9. Qualtrics
    Average Salary: $176,425
    Qualtrics is a software company. They offer tools for market research and customer experience. Businesses use their software to gather and analyze data.


  10. Mindful Therapy Group
    Average Salary: $176,222
    Mindful Therapy Group provides mental health services. They offer therapy and counseling. Their goal is to help people improve their mental well-being.

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

Seattle, WA, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Seattle stands at 140, which is 40% higher than the national average of 100. This increase is largely driven by housing costs, which are 85% above the national average. Other categories like groceries, utilities, and transportation also contribute to this elevated cost of living, making it important for job seekers to consider these factors when planning a move.
Cost of living comparison graph for Seattle, WA vs. Nationwide: housing 85% higher, groceries 15% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 30% higher, healthcare 5% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

Seattle, Washington, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Seattle are notably higher, with an index of 185. This means housing expenses are 85% more than the national average. For job seekers considering Seattle, this could significantly impact their budget if they are not prepared for these elevated costs.


Other areas also show a higher cost of living in Seattle. Groceries have an index of 115, meaning they are 15% more expensive than the national average. Utilities cost 10% more, with an index of 110. Transportation costs are 30% higher, with an index of 130. Healthcare costs are slightly below the national average at 105, which means they are 5% less expensive. Miscellaneous expenses, such as entertainment and personal care, are 20% higher, with an index of 120. These factors combined show that Seattle’s overall cost of living is significantly above the national average.

There are 12,832 job openings in Seattle, WA, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Seattle, WA. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
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Seattle, WA
12,832 Job Openings