Average Archivists Salary in Washington
Archivists in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $72,330, substantially exceeding the national average of $64,670. This premium is largely driven by the state's robust cultural institutions, significant government archives, and a higher cost of living that necessitates competitive compensation to attract and retain skilled professionals in this specialized field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $72,330 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,490.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 630 Archivists and a Location Quotient of 3.88, Washington demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This strong concentration suggests a robust and active job market for archivists within the state, indicating a healthy demand that supports the current workforce size and potentially offers opportunities for growth.
Salary Overview
The average Archivists in Washington earns+11.8%above the national average.
$34.8
$1,391
$6,028
Archivists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Archivists in Washington have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends in specialized professional roles. Factors such as increasing digitization efforts, the growing importance of data preservation, and inflation likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for this vital profession.
Archivists Salary Distribution in Washington
The salary progression for Archivists in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience in archival management, digital preservation, and specialized collections can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify career progression, rewarding accumulated expertise and leadership responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty. | 10% (Entry) | $47,820 | $23 |
| Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development. | 25% (Junior) | $54,248 | $26.1 |
| Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers. | 50% (Median) | $70,400 | $33.8 |
| Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP. | 75% (Senior) | $90,413 | $43.5 |
| AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant. | 90% (Expert) | $98,490 | $47.4 |
Detailed Archivists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$72,330
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,841
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the average annual salary for Archivists in Washington stands at $72,330, the local Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it's about 15.1% higher than the national average. This indicates that while the nominal salary is attractive, the purchasing power of that income is somewhat reduced by the higher cost of goods and services in the state, requiring careful budgeting.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
0.177
Per 1K Jobs
3.88
Location Quotient
Washington has 3.9x the national concentration of Archivists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Washington's Archivist job market exhibits a strong concentration, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 3.88. This figure suggests that the demand for archivists in Washington is nearly four times the national average relative to the overall workforce. Such a high concentration indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market, where institutions actively seek out and value archival expertise.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Archivists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Archivists Salary | $75,800↑ 5% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Archivists Salary | $75,090↑ 4% | 70 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Archivists make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Archivists in Washington is $72,330. This typically ranges from $47,820 for entry-level positions to $98,490 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 11.8% higher than the national median of $64,670.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Archivists?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for Archivists.Archivists in Washington earn significantly more than the national average, with a higher concentration of jobs indicating strong demand. However, the elevated cost of living should be considered when evaluating overall financial benefit.
Is Washington a good place to live for Archivists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($75,800) and Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA.
How does Washington's Archivist salary compare to the national average?
Archivists in Washington earn an average of $72,330 annually, which is considerably higher than the national average of $64,670.
What is the concentration of Archivists in Washington?
Washington has a Location Quotient of 3.88 for Archivists, meaning the profession is nearly four times more concentrated there than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect Archivist salaries in Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the higher salary helps offset this, the real purchasing power is slightly diminished compared to lower-cost areas.
What does the number of Archivist jobs per 1,000 workers indicate?
The figure of 0.177 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests that for every thousand individuals employed in Washington, approximately 0.177 are Archivists, reflecting the specialized nature of the role within the state's economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.177 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Archivists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington