Average Highway Maintenance Workers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Highway Maintenance Workers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $71,690. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $50,740, indicating a strong demand and higher compensation structure within this metropolitan region. The robust local economy and the critical nature of infrastructure maintenance likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,690 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,070.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 770 Highway Maintenance Workers, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area demonstrates a substantial presence in this essential field. The Location Quotient of 0.38 suggests that while the concentration of these workers is below the national average, the absolute number indicates a consistent need for their services. This suggests a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, job market for skilled individuals in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Highway Maintenance Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+41.3%above the national average.
$34.5
$1,379
$5,974
Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Highway Maintenance Worker salary growth in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a trend of steady salary increases over the past four years. This assumption is based on general economic principles, including inflation, increased cost of living, and the ongoing need for infrastructure upkeep, which typically drives compensation upwards for essential roles.
Highway Maintenance Workers Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Highway Maintenance Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while senior roles, those with specialized skills (e.g., heavy equipment operation, supervisory duties), or those requiring extensive certifications can see significantly higher compensation. The gaps between salary percentiles reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $63,190 | $30.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $53,768 | $25.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $68,810 | $33.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $89,613 | $43.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $85,070 | $40.9 |
Detailed Highway Maintenance Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,690
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$71,690
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $71,690 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, 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 effectively on par with the national average. Therefore, the increased earnings are largely offset by the local cost of living, suggesting that relocation for salary alone may not offer a significant boost in disposable income.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
0.371
Per 1K Jobs
0.38
Location Quotient
At 0.38x, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has a notably lower concentration of Highway Maintenance Workers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
The Location Quotient (LQ) of 0.38 for Highway Maintenance Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, indicates that this occupation is less concentrated in this region compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a solid workforce, the job market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals. Employers might need to actively recruit to fill positions, which can translate to competitive compensation.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Highway Maintenance Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $67,210↓ 6% | 18 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $63,050↓ 12% | 42 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $60,960↓ 15% | 42 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $66,650↓ 7% | 47 mi |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Highway Maintenance Workers Salary | $64,380↓ 10% | 56 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Highway Maintenance Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Highway Maintenance Workers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Highway Maintenance Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $71,690. This typically ranges from $63,190 for entry-level positions to $85,070 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 41.3% higher than the national median of $50,740.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Highway Maintenance Workers?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the cost of living.The average salary of $71,690 is significantly higher than the national average, making it lucrative in nominal terms. However, the local cost of living being at the national average means the increased salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national average.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Highway Maintenance Workers?
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 ($67,210) and Western Washington nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
Highway Maintenance Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue earn an average of $71,690 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $50,740.
What is the concentration of Highway Maintenance Workers in this area?
The Location Quotient is 0.38, meaning the concentration of Highway Maintenance Workers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is less than half of the national average concentration.
Does experience impact salary for Highway Maintenance Workers in Seattle?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less than senior roles, reflecting a clear career progression path and salary growth potential.
How does the cost of living affect the Highway Maintenance Worker salary in Seattle?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the higher nominal salary in Seattle is balanced by the local expenses, meaning the real purchasing power is similar to 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 770 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.371 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Highway Maintenance Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA