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Average Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

In the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area, professionals in Architecture and Engineering Occupations command an impressive average annual salary of $122,460. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $103,510, reflecting the region's robust demand for specialized technical talent and its thriving economic landscape. The concentration of high-value industries and ongoing development projects in the area directly contributes to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $122,460 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.5% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $178,410.
  • Outlook: The Architecture and Engineering sector in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue presents a strong outlook, underscored by a substantial local workforce of 51,640 individuals. The Location Quotient of 1.49 indicates a higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting robust and sustained demand for architectural and engineering expertise within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$122,460

The average Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+18.3%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$58.9

Weekly

$2,355

Monthly

$10,205

Architecture and Engineering Occupations Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Salary progression within Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is strongly correlated with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while senior engineers and architects, with extensive project portfolios and leadership experience, can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear opportunities for career advancement and significant earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$72,670$34.9
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$91,845$44.2
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$115,160$55.4
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$153,075$73.6
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$178,410$85.8

Detailed Architecture and Engineering Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$122,460

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$122,460

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $122,460 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating that the increased earnings are offset by the local cost of living.

Job Market Context

51,640

Total Jobs

24.798

Per 1K Jobs

1.49

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.49, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.49, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area exhibits a notably higher concentration of Architecture and Engineering Occupations compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market where demand for these specialized skills is strong, offering ample opportunities for both employers seeking talent and professionals seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Architecture and Engineering Occupations make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The median annual salary for a Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $122,460. This typically ranges from $72,670 for entry-level positions to $178,410 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 18.3% higher than the national median of $103,510.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Architecture and Engineering Occupationss?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative area.Professionals in these fields earn significantly above the national average salary. While the cost of living is also at the national average, the higher nominal wage provides a strong financial advantage.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Architecture and Engineering Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA ($108,850) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Architecture and Engineering Occupations in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $122,460, which is substantially higher than the national average of $103,510.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?

An LQ of 1.49 indicates that Architecture and Engineering Occupations are 49% more concentrated in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue than the national average, signifying a strong regional presence and demand for these roles.

How does the Cost of Living Index affect the salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is on par with the national average. Therefore, the higher salary of $122,460 offers comparable purchasing power to the national average salary.

What does the total local workforce size suggest about the job market?

A local workforce of 51,640 in Architecture and Engineering Occupations indicates a substantial and active job market, suggesting a healthy demand for professionals in this sector within the region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 51,640 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 24.798 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.