Average Biological Technicians Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Biological Technicians in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an average annual salary of $58,770. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,030, suggesting that while the region offers significant opportunities, compensation may be influenced by a complex interplay of local economic factors and industry demand. Understanding these nuances is key for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,170.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 2,620 Biological Technicians. With a Location Quotient of 2.55, the concentration of these roles is more than double the national average, indicating a strong and potentially growing demand for specialized scientific support personnel within the region's thriving biotechnology and research sectors.
Salary Overview
The average Biological Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns-2.1%below the national average.
$28.3
$1,130
$4,898
Biological Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact period isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Biological Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have likely seen a steady upward trend over the past four years. This growth would typically mirror broader economic expansion and increased investment in the life sciences, driving competitive compensation packages to attract and retain skilled talent.
Biological Technicians Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The salary progression for Biological Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior technicians with extensive expertise and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their increased value and contribution to research and development efforts.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $44,830 | $21.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $44,078 | $21.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $58,090 | $27.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $73,463 | $35.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $78,170 | $37.6 |
Detailed Biological Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $58,770 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), the nominal income for Biological Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue translates directly to purchasing power equivalent to the national standard. This means that while the salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living does not present an immediate disadvantage.
Job Market Context
2,620
Total Jobs
1.259
Per 1K Jobs
2.55
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 2.5x the national concentration of Biological Technicians jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 2.55 for Biological Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue signifies a highly concentrated job market. This indicates that the region has a significantly larger proportion of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially competitive environment where demand for these skills is notably high.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Biological Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Biological Technicians Salary | $63,140↑ 7% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Biological Technicians Salary | $48,700↓ 17% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Biological Technicians Salary | $52,380↓ 11% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Biological Technicians Salary | $52,120↓ 11% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Biological Technicians Salary | $49,630↓ 16% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Biological Technicianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Biological Technicians make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Biological Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $58,770. This typically ranges from $44,830 for entry-level positions to $78,170 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 2.1% lower than the national median of $60,030.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Biological Technicianss?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ 2.55) and a cost of living on par with the national average suggest strong career opportunities and stable purchasing power.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Biological Technicians?
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 ($63,140) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Biological Technicians in Seattle compare nationally?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has 2,620 Biological Technicians, which is a substantial local workforce. The key indicator is the Location Quotient of 2.55, meaning the area has 2.55 times the national average concentration of these jobs.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Biological Technicians in Seattle?
An LQ of 2.55 indicates that Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is a hotspot for Biological Technicians, with employment in this occupation being more than twice as concentrated as the national average. This suggests robust industry presence and demand.
How does Seattle's cost of living affect the Biological Technicians salary?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is exactly the national average. Therefore, the average salary of $58,770 has a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without being significantly eroded by higher living expenses.
What are the job prospects for Biological Technicians in Seattle?
With a high Location Quotient and a significant local workforce, job prospects for Biological Technicians in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue appear strong, particularly within the region's prominent biotech and research sectors.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,620 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 1.259 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Biological Technicians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA