Average Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Computer and Information Research Scientists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $214,540. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $167,850, reflecting the region's high demand for specialized tech talent. The concentration of major technology firms and robust investment in research and development are key drivers behind this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $214,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $321,810.
- Outlook: The job market for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, appears robust, with a local workforce of 2,070 individuals in this field. The Location Quotient of 3.98 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand from local industries.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+27.8%above the national average.
$103.2
$4,126
$17,878
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This trend is generally observed in high-demand tech hubs, driven by ongoing innovation, increasing complexity of research projects, and a competitive landscape for top-tier talent.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Experience plays a pivotal role in the earning potential of Computer and Information Research Scientists. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior researchers and lead scientists with extensive expertise and a proven track record can achieve significantly higher compensation. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries, often seen across different pay percentiles, clearly signifies substantial career progression and reward for accumulated knowledge and leadership.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $114,160 | $54.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $160,905 | $77.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $232,120 | $111.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $268,175 | $128.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $321,810 | $154.7 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$214,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$214,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
With an average annual salary of $214,540 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (matching the national average), Computer and Information Research Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, enjoy excellent purchasing power. The nominal salary translates directly into real income, meaning that the high earnings are not significantly eroded by local living expenses, making it a financially advantageous location.
Job Market Context
2,070
Total Jobs
0.993
Per 1K Jobs
3.98
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 4.0x the national concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists 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 3.98 for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is exceptionally high, indicating that this region is a major hub for this profession. This concentration suggests a highly competitive market for talent, with numerous opportunities and a strong presence of employers actively seeking these specialized skills, making it a prime location for career advancement.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer and Information Research Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary | $111,630↓ 48% | 18 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Computer and Information Research Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $214,540. This typically ranges from $114,160 for entry-level positions to $321,810 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 27.8% higher than the national median of $167,850.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative location.The average salary of $214,540 significantly exceeds the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, offering excellent earning potential.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
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 ($111,630) and others.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, is $214,540, which is substantially higher than the national average of $167,850.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Seattle?
An LQ of 3.98 means that Computer and Information Research Scientists are nearly four times more concentrated in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, than in the average U.S. location, indicating high demand and a specialized job market.
Does the cost of living in Seattle affect the high salary?
No, the Cost of Living Index is 100, meaning it is the same as the national average. Therefore, the high salary of $214,540 offers strong purchasing power for residents.
How many Computer and Information Research Scientists work in the Seattle area?
There are approximately 2,070 Computer and Information Research Scientists employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,070 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.993 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer and Information Research Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA