Average Microbiologists Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Microbiologists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn an average annual salary of $83,350. This figure is below the national average of $93,240, indicating that while the region offers opportunities, compensation may be influenced by local economic factors and the specific demands of the industries present.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $83,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $127,360.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 220 Microbiologists and a Location Quotient of 0.83, the job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue shows a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. This suggests a stable but not exceptionally robust demand for these specialized professionals, indicating a moderate level of job security and potential for growth.
Salary Overview
The average Microbiologists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns-10.6%below the national average.
$40.1
$1,603
$6,946
Microbiologists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Microbiologist salary trends in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in compensation over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as inflation, increased demand for specialized scientific roles, and advancements in the field likely contribute to salary growth.
Microbiologists Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The salary progression for Microbiologists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles with extensive expertise and leadership responsibilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. These percentile gaps are key indicators of career advancement opportunities and the value placed on seasoned professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $50,060 | $24.1 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $62,513 | $30.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $76,170 | $36.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $104,188 | $50.1 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $127,360 | $61.2 |
Detailed Microbiologists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$83,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$83,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $83,350 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of a Microbiologist's earnings in this region is comparable to the national standard, suggesting a balanced economic environment.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
0.107
Per 1K Jobs
0.83
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.83x the national average concentration of Microbiologists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.83 for Microbiologists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where employers may have a good pool of talent, but specialized skills could still be in demand, potentially leading to negotiation leverage for qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Microbiologists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Microbiologists Salary | $76,040↓ 9% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Microbiologistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Microbiologists make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Microbiologists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $83,350. This typically ranges from $50,060 for entry-level positions to $127,360 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 10.6% lower than the national median of $93,240.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Microbiologists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the Microbiologist salary of $83,350 is below the national average of $93,240, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific role.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Microbiologists?
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 Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($76,040) and others.
How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Microbiologists in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is $83,350, which is approximately $9,890 less than the national average of $93,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The Cost of Living Index for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the Microbiologist job market in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
The job market for Microbiologists is slightly less concentrated in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.83.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.83 mean for Microbiologists?
A Location Quotient of 0.83 suggests that the proportion of Microbiologists in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue workforce is slightly lower than the national average, implying a moderately competitive job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.107 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Microbiologists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA