Average Electrical Engineers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Electrical Engineers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $140,500. This figure significantly outpaces the national average of $121,030, reflecting the region's robust demand for specialized engineering talent. The concentration of technology and aerospace industries in the area is a primary driver for this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $140,500 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $180,880.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area presents a robust job market for Electrical Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 6,580 professionals. A Location Quotient of 2.58 indicates that this region employs more than double the national average of Electrical Engineers relative to its overall workforce, signaling strong and sustained demand for their skills.
Salary Overview
The average Electrical Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+16.1%above the national average.
$67.6
$2,702
$11,708
Electrical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a positive salary growth trend for Electrical Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue over the past four years, mirroring national trends. The ongoing innovation and expansion within key local industries likely contribute to consistent increases in compensation as demand for skilled engineers continues.
Electrical Engineers Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Experience plays a crucial role in the earning potential of Electrical Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while senior and lead engineers can command salaries well above the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career progression pathways and increased earning potential with accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $93,440 | $44.9 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $105,375 | $50.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $135,480 | $65.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $175,625 | $84.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $180,880 | $87 |
Detailed Electrical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$140,500
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$140,500
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $140,500 for Electrical Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for professionals.
Job Market Context
6,580
Total Jobs
3.157
Per 1K Jobs
2.58
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 2.6x the national concentration of Electrical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.58, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area exhibits a highly concentrated market for Electrical Engineers, significantly exceeding the national average. This indicates a competitive landscape where employers actively seek specialized talent, and professionals benefit from abundant opportunities within a thriving engineering ecosystem.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Electrical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Electrical Engineers Salary | $110,240↓ 22% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Electrical Engineers Salary | $113,690↓ 19% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Electrical Engineers Salary | $89,190↓ 37% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Electrical Engineers Salary | $99,020↓ 30% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Electrical Engineers Salary | $112,230↓ 20% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Electrical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Electrical Engineers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Electrical Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $140,500. This typically ranges from $93,440 for entry-level positions to $180,880 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 16.1% higher than the national median of $121,030.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Electrical Engineers?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Electrical Engineers.Electrical Engineers in this region earn an average of $140,500, substantially higher than the national average, while maintaining a cost of living on par with the national average.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Electrical Engineers?
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 ($110,240) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Electrical Engineer salary in Seattle compare to the national average?
The average salary for Electrical Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $140,500, which is approximately $19,470 higher than the national average of $121,030.
What is the concentration of Electrical Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 2.58, meaning there are more than twice the national average number of Electrical Engineers per worker in this region.
Does the cost of living affect the Electrical Engineer salary in Seattle?
The cost of living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is at the national average (100), so the higher nominal salary of $140,500 translates to a purchasing power that is consistent with the national average.
How many Electrical Engineers are employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?
There are approximately 6,580 Electrical Engineers 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 6,580 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 3.157 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Electrical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA