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Average Transportation Inspectors Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Transportation Inspectors in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area earn a commanding average annual salary of $111,680. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $74,960, indicating a strong demand and potentially higher operational costs or specialized needs within the region that drive this elevated compensation. The local economic landscape and the specific requirements of transportation oversight in this metropolitan area likely contribute to this pay premium.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $111,680 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $159,620.
  • Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 240 Transportation Inspectors. While the Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of a dedicated workforce indicates ongoing opportunities. The rate of 0.116 jobs per 1,000 workers signifies a niche but stable employment sector within the region's broader economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$111,680

The average Transportation Inspectors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+49.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$53.7

Weekly

$2,148

Monthly

$9,307

Transportation Inspectors Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Career progression for Transportation Inspectors typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the substantial gap between starting salaries and the $111,680 average suggests that experienced professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record command higher compensation. This salary scaling reflects the accumulation of expertise, responsibility, and the value placed on seasoned inspectors.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$64,930$31.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$83,760$40.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$119,640$57.5
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$139,600$67.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$159,620$76.7

Detailed Transportation Inspectors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$111,680

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$111,680

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $111,680 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that while the gross salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively equivalent to the national average due to the local cost of living. Therefore, the higher nominal wage is offset by the cost of living in the area.

Job Market Context

240

Total Jobs

0.116

Per 1K Jobs

0.77

Location Quotient

Below Average

Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 0.77x the national average concentration of Transportation Inspectors 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 0.77, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Transportation Inspectors relative to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not oversaturated, there may be fewer specialized roles or a more distributed demand across different sectors compared to areas with a higher LQ. It indicates a stable, rather than booming, market for these professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Transportation Inspectorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Transportation Inspectors make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The median annual salary for a Transportation Inspectors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $111,680. This typically ranges from $64,930 for entry-level positions to $159,620 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 49.0% higher than the national median of $74,960.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Transportation Inspectors?

Yes, it is a lucrative place for Transportation Inspectors.The average salary of $111,680 is significantly higher than the national average, indicating strong earning potential. However, this is balanced by a Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning the higher salary's purchasing power is on par with the national average.

Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Transportation Inspectors?

The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Transportation Inspectors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $111,680, which is substantially higher than the national average of $74,960.

What is the concentration of Transportation Inspectors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The Location Quotient for Transportation Inspectors in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 0.77, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the Transportation Inspector salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?

The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100, which is the national average. This means the higher nominal salary of $111,680 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total number of Transportation Inspectors in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?

There are approximately 240 Transportation Inspectors employed in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 240 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 0.116 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Transportation Inspectors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA