Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
In Bellingham, WA, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $87,160. This figure is slightly below the national average of $91,840, suggesting localized economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in compensation within this Pacific Northwest city.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,160 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $125,890.
- Outlook: The local job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Bellingham appears stable, with a total workforce of 920 individuals. The location quotient of 1.08 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not overwhelmingly robust, demand for these specialized skills within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Bellingham, WA earns-5.1%below the national average.
$41.9
$1,676
$7,263
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Bellingham have experienced moderate growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for scientific expertise, and advancements in research and development likely contribute to a positive salary trajectory.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Bellingham typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced professionals and senior scientists can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the value placed on accumulated knowledge, specialized skills, and leadership responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $48,310 | $23.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $65,370 | $31.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $82,720 | $39.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $108,950 | $52.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $125,890 | $60.5 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,160
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,160
Adjusted for COL (100)
Bellingham, WA, presents a neutral cost of living environment, with an index of 100, matching the national average. This means the average annual salary of $87,160 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national median, making relocation financially predictable for those moving from similar economic areas.
Job Market Context
920
Total Jobs
10.162
Per 1K Jobs
1.08
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.08, Bellingham, WA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
With a location quotient of 1.08, Bellingham demonstrates a slightly higher concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations professionals than the national average. This suggests a moderately competitive job market where employers may have a slightly larger pool of local talent to draw from, but also indicates a healthy presence and ongoing need for these specialized roles within the community.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $78,740↓ 10% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $99,130↑ 14% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $95,380↑ 9% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Bellingham, WA is $87,160. This typically ranges from $48,310 for entry-level positions to $125,890 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 5.1% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, with a neutral cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living in Bellingham is also at the national average, making the compensation competitive. The slightly higher concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.08) indicates a stable market.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($78,740) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does Bellingham's average salary compare to the national average for these roles?
The average annual salary in Bellingham for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is $87,160, which is approximately 5% lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Bellingham?
A Location Quotient of 1.08 means that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are 8% more concentrated in Bellingham than the national average, indicating a slightly stronger presence of these jobs in the local economy.
How does the Cost of Living in Bellingham affect the salary?
Bellingham's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $87,160 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What does the total local workforce number imply for job seekers?
With 920 individuals in this field locally, it suggests a moderately sized job market. While not massive, it indicates consistent opportunities exist for qualified professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 920 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 10.162 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA