Average Legislators Salary in Washington
Legislators in Washington State command an impressive average annual salary of $142,000, significantly outpacing the national average of $67,390. This substantial difference is largely attributable to the unique demands and responsibilities inherent in state-level policy-making and governance within Washington, a state with a robust economy and significant legislative influence.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $142,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $213,000.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,300 Legislators and a Location Quotient of 2.13, Washington demonstrates a strong concentration of these roles relative to the national average. This indicates a robust demand and a well-established presence for legislative professionals within the state, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market for this specialized profession.
Salary Overview
The average Legislators in Washington earns+110.7%above the national average.
$68.3
$2,731
$11,833
Legislators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Legislators in Washington have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing complexity of state governance. Factors such as inflation, legislative session length, and the evolving political landscape likely contribute to upward pressure on compensation.
Legislators Salary Distribution in Washington
The salary landscape for Legislators typically shows significant variation based on experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive legislative careers and influence can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The substantial gap between entry-level and senior roles, often seen in percentile distributions, reflects the value placed on expertise, tenure, and demonstrated impact in policy-making.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $50,120 | $24.1 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $106,500 | $51.2 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $109,390 | $52.6 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $177,500 | $85.3 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $213,000 | $102.4 |
Detailed Legislators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$142,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$123,371
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While a nominal salary of $142,000 is substantial, Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1 means that expenses are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average. This suggests that while the purchasing power is still strong, the higher salary is somewhat offset by increased living costs, making careful budgeting essential for residents.
Job Market Context
1,300
Total Jobs
0.367
Per 1K Jobs
2.13
Location Quotient
Washington has 2.1x the national concentration of Legislators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 2.13 signifies that Legislators are more than twice as concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive market, where the demand for skilled legislative professionals is significantly elevated, offering ample opportunities for those within the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legislators
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Legislators Salary | $156,730↑ 10% | 42 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Legislators Salary | $131,100↓ 8% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Legislators Salary | $100,700↓ 29% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Legislators Salary | $161,060↑ 13% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Legislatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legislators make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Legislators in Washington is $142,000. This typically ranges from $50,120 for entry-level positions to $213,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 110.7% higher than the national median of $67,390.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Legislators?
Yes, Washington is a lucrative state for Legislators.Legislators in Washington earn an average of $142,000 annually, more than double the national average. While the cost of living is higher, the compensation reflects the significant responsibilities and concentration of these roles in the state.
Is Washington a good place to live for Legislators?
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 ($156,730) and Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA.
How does the number of Legislators in Washington compare nationally?
Washington has a total local workforce of 1,300 Legislators, and its Location Quotient of 2.13 indicates a concentration more than double the national average, suggesting a significant presence of this profession.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient for Legislators in Washington?
A Location Quotient of 2.13 means that Legislators are more prevalent in Washington than in the average U.S. state, indicating a higher demand and a more specialized job market for this role.
How does the average Legislator salary in Washington compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Legislators in Washington is $142,000, which is significantly higher than the national average of $67,390.
Does the cost of living in Washington affect the Legislator salary?
Yes, Washington's Cost of Living Index is 115.1, meaning it's about 15.1% more expensive than the national average. While the $142,000 salary is high, the increased cost of living should be considered for purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,300 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.367 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Legislators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington