Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Washington
Professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Washington State command an impressive average annual salary of $93,700, surpassing the national average of $91,840. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust economy, its significant investment in research and development, and a high demand for specialized scientific expertise.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $93,700 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,760.
- Outlook: Washington boasts a substantial workforce of 46,750 individuals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.41, this sector is significantly more concentrated in Washington than the national average, indicating a strong and established presence of these roles within the state's job market and suggesting robust demand.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Washington earns+2.0%above the national average.
$45.1
$1,802
$7,808
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Washington have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and the increasing demand for scientific expertise. This upward trajectory is likely fueled by technological advancements and ongoing research initiatives within the state.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Washington
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Washington typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a clear and rewarding career ladder.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $51,150 | $24.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,275 | $33.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $86,280 | $41.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $117,125 | $56.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $138,760 | $66.7 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,700
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$81,407
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
While the average annual salary of $93,700 in Washington is attractive, the state's Cost of Living Index of 115.1 means that expenses are about 15.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat diminished when compared to states with a lower cost of living, requiring careful budgeting.
Job Market Context
46,750
Total Jobs
13.207
Per 1K Jobs
1.41
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.41, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.41 signifies that Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations are 41% more concentrated in Washington than the national average. This suggests a highly developed and competitive job market, where specialized talent is in demand and employers actively seek out experienced professionals in these scientific fields.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Washington is $93,700. This typically ranges from $51,150 for entry-level positions to $138,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 2.0% higher than the national median of $91,840.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Yes, Washington offers a lucrative environment for these professionals.The average salary of $93,700 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 1.41) indicates strong market demand.
Is Washington a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
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 ($99,130) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's salary compare to the national average for these roles?
The average annual salary in Washington for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is $93,700, which is higher than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Washington?
Washington has a higher concentration of these roles, with a Location Quotient of 1.41, meaning they are 41% more prevalent than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the salary in Washington?
With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average, meaning the $93,700 salary has less purchasing power than it would in a lower-cost state.
What is the total number of workers in these science fields in Washington?
There are approximately 46,750 individuals employed in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Washington State.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 46,750 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 13.207 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Washington
- All Occupations Salary in Washington
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Washington
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Washington
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Washington
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Washington
- Computer and Mathematical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Washington
- Management Occupations Salary in Washington
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Washington
- Browse All Jobs in Washington →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington