Average Biological Technicians Salary in Washington
Biological Technicians in Washington earn an average annual salary of $56,250, which is slightly below the national average of $60,030. This localized pay rate is influenced by a combination of factors specific to the state's economic landscape and the demand for specialized scientific support roles within its burgeoning industries.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,250 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,880.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 4,140 Biological Technicians, Washington demonstrates a significant concentration of these professionals. The Location Quotient of 2.36 indicates that this field is more than twice as concentrated in Washington compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand and a well-established presence for this occupation within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Biological Technicians in Washington earns-6.3%below the national average.
$27
$1,082
$4,688
Biological Technicians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Biological Technicians in Washington over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries within this field have seen a steady upward trend, mirroring national patterns. This growth is typically driven by advancements in biotechnology, increased research funding, and the expanding healthcare sector, all of which contribute to a more competitive salary environment.
Biological Technicians Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression for Biological Technicians in Washington typically correlates with increased salary. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced technicians with specialized skills and advanced degrees can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career trajectory and the value placed on expertise and tenure within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $40,500 | $19.5 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $42,188 | $20.3 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $52,680 | $25.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $70,313 | $33.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $76,880 | $37 |
Detailed Biological Technicians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,250
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,871
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average annual salary of $56,250 in Washington needs to be considered alongside its Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This index, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, means that the purchasing power of a Biological Technician's salary in Washington is somewhat diminished compared to areas with a lower cost of living. Therefore, while the nominal salary appears competitive, the actual take-home value is impacted by higher everyday expenses.
Job Market Context
4,140
Total Jobs
1.169
Per 1K Jobs
2.36
Location Quotient
Washington has 2.4x 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.
Washington's Location Quotient of 2.36 for Biological Technicians is a strong indicator of a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the state is a significant hub for this profession, attracting and retaining a larger proportion of these specialists than the national average. While this concentration points to a robust demand, it also implies a potentially competitive environment for new entrants seeking positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Biological Technicians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Biological Technicians Salary | $58,770↑ 4% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Biological Technicians Salary | $55,630↓ 1% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Biological Technicians Salary | $63,140↑ 12% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Biological Technicians Salary | $52,120↓ 7% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Biological Technicians Salary | $53,460↓ 5% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Biological Technicians make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Biological Technicians in Washington is $56,250. This typically ranges from $40,500 for entry-level positions to $76,880 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 6.3% lower than the national median of $60,030.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Biological Technicians?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the high concentration of jobs (LQ of 2.36) suggests strong demand. However, the higher cost of living requires careful financial planning.
Is Washington a good place to live for Biological Technicians?
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 ($58,770) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does experience affect a Biological Technician's salary in Washington?
Experience significantly impacts salary. Entry-level technicians earn less, while senior technicians with specialized skills and proven track records command higher compensation packages, reflecting their increased value and expertise.
What is the job outlook for Biological Technicians in Washington?
The job outlook appears positive, indicated by a high Location Quotient (2.36) and a substantial local workforce. This suggests a strong and concentrated demand for Biological Technicians within the state's scientific and research sectors.
How does Washington's cost of living compare to the national average?
Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it is 15.1% more expensive to live there than the national average. This higher cost of living impacts the real value of the average salary.
Are there more Biological Technicians in Washington than the national average?
Yes, Washington has a significantly higher concentration of Biological Technicians, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 2.36, which is more than double the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 4,140 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 1.169 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 Washington