Average Software Developers Salary in Bellingham, WA
Software Developers in Bellingham, WA, command an impressive average annual salary of $140,180. This figure is slightly below the national average of $145,320, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the Bellingham tech landscape. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the specialized skills and importance of software development professionals in the area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $140,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $200,060.
- Outlook: Bellingham, WA, hosts a local workforce of 630 Software Developers, indicating a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly large, presence in the tech sector. The Location Quotient of 0.65 suggests that while the concentration of these roles is lower than the national average, there is still a consistent demand for skilled professionals. The rate of 6.93 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of a steady, ongoing need for software development talent within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Bellingham, WA earns-3.5%below the national average.
$67.4
$2,696
$11,682
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Bellingham is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Software Developer salaries in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. The increasing reliance on technology across all industries typically drives up demand and, consequently, compensation for skilled developers, suggesting a positive trajectory for earning potential in this field.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA
The salary landscape for Software Developers in Bellingham, WA, naturally scales with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall below the $140,180 average, while senior and lead developers can expect to earn significantly more. The progression from junior to principal roles, marked by increasing responsibility and expertise, is reflected in the widening salary percentiles, offering a clear path for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $86,880 | $41.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $105,135 | $50.5 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $130,600 | $62.8 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $175,225 | $84.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $200,060 | $96.2 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$140,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$140,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $140,180 in Bellingham, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Software Developer's salary in Bellingham is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without the added pressure of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
630
Total Jobs
6.93
Per 1K Jobs
0.65
Location Quotient
Bellingham, WA has 0.65x the national average concentration of Software Developers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.65, Bellingham, WA, presents a market where Software Developers are present but not as densely concentrated as in national tech hubs. This suggests a potentially less saturated job market compared to major metropolitan areas, which could translate to more direct opportunities for qualified candidates. While the concentration is below average, the steady job availability indicates a healthy, albeit specialized, demand for these roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Software Developers Salary | $128,290↓ 8% | 24 mi |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Software Developers Salary | $181,040↑ 29% | 80 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Software Developers Salary | $146,190↑ 4% | 84 mi |
Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Bellingham, WA?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Bellingham, WA is $140,180. This typically ranges from $86,880 for entry-level positions to $200,060 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 3.5% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Software Developers?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation.Software Developers in Bellingham earn an average of $140,180, which is on par with the national cost of living, making it a financially stable location for the profession.
Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Software Developers?
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 ($128,290) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.
How does Bellingham's Software Developer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Software Developers in Bellingham, WA, is $140,180, which is slightly lower than the national average of $145,320.
What is the cost of living in Bellingham, WA for Software Developers?
The cost of living in Bellingham, WA, is exactly at the national average, indicated by a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
Is there high demand for Software Developers in Bellingham, WA?
While the concentration (Location Quotient) is below the national average at 0.65, there are 6.93 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a steady and consistent demand for skilled professionals.
What is the total number of Software Developers in Bellingham, WA?
Bellingham, WA, has a local workforce of 630 Software Developers, representing a significant segment of the local tech talent pool.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 630 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 6.93 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Software Developers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Bellingham, WA
- All Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Production Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Bellingham, WA
- Browse All Jobs in Bellingham, WA →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA