Washington salaries by occupation
The median worker in Washington earned $61,590 a year in 2024, about $29.61 an hour, 24.4% above the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 678 occupations.
Median pay $61,590 $29.61 per hour
Vs national median +24.4% U.S. $49,500
Workers 3,539,650 wage and salary
Occupations reported 678 with at least 100 employed
What Washington is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avionics Technicians | 11.41× | 5,480 | $107,640 |
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | 6.3× | 4,760 | $93,550 |
| Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products | 6.13× | 3,780 | $34,860 |
| Tapers | 5.28× | 1,510 | $70,580 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | 4.64× | 1,800 | $82,050 |
| Ship Engineers | 4.61× | 910 | $96,390 |
| Foresters | 4.41× | 980 | $74,360 |
| Nuclear Engineers | 4.05× | 1,370 | $125,130 |
| Archivists | 3.88× | 630 | $70,400 |
| Statisticians | 3.68× | 2,520 | $101,890 |
Metro areas in Washington
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 13 Washington metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $67,510 | $32.46 | 2,082,610 | #4 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $61,090 | $29.37 | 93,560 | #10 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $60,300 | $28.99 | 127,360 | #13 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | $59,040 | $28.38 | 1,213,760 | #18 |
| Mount Vernon-Anacortes | $57,480 | $27.63 | 51,700 | #24 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $55,490 | $26.68 | 127,290 | #31 |
| Bellingham | $54,860 | $26.37 | 90,970 | #34 |
| Longview-Kelso | $54,120 | $26.02 | 40,980 | #41 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $51,600 | $24.81 | 255,370 | #55 |
| Walla Walla | $49,920 | $24.00 | 25,690 | #81 |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee | $47,920 | $23.04 | 51,580 | #144 |
| Lewiston | $47,340 | $22.76 | 27,910 | #172 |
| Yakima | $46,740 | $22.47 | 98,540 | #191 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Podiatrists | $228,170 | $109.70 | 200 | #1 of 21 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | $221,990 | $106.73 | 2,590 | #1 of 28 |
| Pediatricians, General | $209,780 | $100.85 | 640 | #15 of 37 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $206,420 | $99.24 | 18,310 | #3 of 49 |
| Compensation and Benefits Managers | $206,320 | $99.19 | 510 | #1 of 33 |
| Dentists, General | $197,950 | $95.17 | 3,100 | #9 of 46 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $181,080 | $87.06 | 6,140 | #3 of 49 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $178,270 | $85.71 | 3,070 | #5 of 46 |
| Computer Hardware Engineers | $174,070 | $83.69 | 1,370 | #3 of 37 |
| Financial Managers | $171,300 | $82.36 | 13,890 | #8 of 51 |
| Human Resources Managers | $169,410 | $81.45 | 5,030 | #4 of 48 |
| Marketing Managers | $168,800 | $81.16 | 9,770 | #8 of 47 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 100,360 | $46,140 | $22.18 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 94,830 | $36,820 | $17.70 |
| Software Developers | 91,470 | $166,910 | $80.24 |
| Retail Salespersons | 86,050 | $38,350 | $18.44 |
| Registered Nurses | 64,690 | $112,180 | $53.93 |
| Cashiers | 59,660 | $37,300 | $17.94 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 55,260 | $42,210 | $20.29 |
| General and Operations Managers | 53,800 | $130,240 | $62.61 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 50,310 | $45,850 | $22.05 |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 48,470 | $93,450 | $44.93 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Washington
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 80
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $139,170
- Power Plant Operators $124,050
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $104,120
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $99,690
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers $93,550
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $89,170
- Gas Plant Operators $85,870
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $83,240
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $82,040
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $81,970
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $78,810
- Tool and Die Makers $78,310
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $76,500
- Layout Workers, Metal and Plastic $75,750
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $72,390
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $65,240
- Machinists $64,510
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $64,040
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $63,470
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $63,280
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $62,670
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $61,730
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $61,520
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $61,270
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $60,410
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $60,030
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $59,170
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $58,530
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $58,450
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $58,280
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $57,080
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $56,630
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $56,360
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $56,240
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $54,060
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $54,040
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $53,690
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $52,890
- Upholsterers $51,610
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $51,010
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,840
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $50,810
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $50,480
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $50,170
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,920
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $49,590
- Printing Press Operators $49,230
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $48,830
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $48,660
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $48,270
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $48,120
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $48,100
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $48,020
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $47,860
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,640
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,570
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $47,550
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $46,920
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,700
- Production Workers, All Other $46,700
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $46,630
- Medical Appliance Technicians $46,550
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $46,460
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $46,250
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,750
- Food Batchmakers $45,040
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $44,580
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $44,150
- Helpers--Production Workers $43,720
- Furniture Finishers $43,320
- Bakers $42,690
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $42,630
- Sewing Machine Operators $41,530
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,900
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $40,580
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,120
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $39,790
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $39,660
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $39,220
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $38,260
Education and library 59
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $135,510
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $115,850
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $109,230
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $102,170
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $101,340
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $99,640
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $99,150
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $99,110
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $98,580
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $97,910
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $97,820
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $96,690
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $95,440
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $94,400
- Instructional Coordinators $91,470
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $85,630
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $85,340
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $84,690
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $84,500
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $83,350
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $82,990
- Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary $82,460
- Geography Teachers, Postsecondary $81,910
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $81,680
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $81,050
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $80,110
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $80,080
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $79,660
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $79,500
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $79,470
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $79,080
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $78,200
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $78,000
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $77,310
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $77,250
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $77,010
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $75,890
- Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary $74,710
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $72,860
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $72,390
- Archivists $70,400
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $67,770
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $67,430
- Special Education Teachers, All Other $67,110
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $66,840
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $66,680
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $66,170
- Curators $66,160
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $66,150
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $58,470
- Library Technicians $57,550
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $55,560
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $54,880
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $48,080
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $47,210
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $46,220
- Architecture Teachers, Postsecondary $45,410
- Tutors $44,450
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $43,350
Office and administrative support 49
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $78,140
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $77,630
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $77,310
- Meter Readers, Utilities $67,240
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $64,710
- Brokerage Clerks $64,540
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $62,900
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $62,460
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $62,310
- Postal Service Clerks $60,590
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $59,680
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $59,190
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $58,860
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $58,390
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $57,950
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $56,920
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $56,580
- Financial Clerks, All Other $56,340
- Billing and Posting Clerks $56,230
- Cargo and Freight Agents $55,140
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $54,980
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $54,560
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $53,220
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $51,620
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $51,150
- Procurement Clerks $50,010
- Office Clerks, General $49,920
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $49,440
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $49,290
- Customer Service Representatives $49,150
- New Accounts Clerks $49,000
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $48,570
- Statistical Assistants $48,180
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $47,110
- File Clerks $47,100
- Bill and Account Collectors $46,940
- Tellers $46,890
- Order Clerks $46,740
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $46,470
- Library Assistants, Clerical $45,980
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $45,180
- Data Entry Keyers $44,710
- Gambling Cage Workers $44,370
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $44,260
- Couriers and Messengers $44,170
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $43,760
- Word Processors and Typists $41,750
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $38,930
Healthcare practitioners 47
- Podiatrists $228,170
- Pediatricians, General $209,780
- Dentists, General $197,950
- Optometrists $157,650
- Pharmacists $157,020
- Physician Assistants $156,990
- Veterinarians $155,060
- Nurse Midwives $145,000
- Nurse Practitioners $140,220
- Radiation Therapists $129,100
- Dental Hygienists $125,370
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $121,090
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $114,430
- Registered Nurses $112,180
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $107,360
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $107,100
- Audiologists $105,120
- Speech-Language Pathologists $102,450
- Occupational Therapists $102,360
- Physical Therapists $102,140
- Paramedics $100,780
- Genetic Counselors $99,820
- Respiratory Therapists $97,150
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $93,920
- Chiropractors $93,730
- Orthotists and Prosthetists $90,240
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $81,050
- Exercise Physiologists $80,850
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $79,700
- Recreational Therapists $78,620
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $76,470
- Hearing Aid Specialists $74,670
- Surgical Technologists $73,460
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $69,440
- Surgical Assistants $69,060
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $68,650
- Medical Records Specialists $62,250
- Athletic Trainers $60,350
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $59,960
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $59,080
- Pharmacy Technicians $56,140
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $52,790
- Psychiatric Technicians $51,000
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $48,960
- Emergency Medical Technicians $48,850
- Opticians, Dispensing $48,320
- Dietetic Technicians $45,310
Construction and extraction 43
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $133,030
- Boilermakers $113,970
- Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers $106,340
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $105,970
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $103,290
- Electricians $96,530
- Stonemasons $93,320
- Sheet Metal Workers $93,230
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $92,910
- Construction and Building Inspectors $89,360
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $81,440
- Pipelayers $80,280
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $79,190
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $79,070
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $77,180
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $74,570
- Carpenters $73,260
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $71,820
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $70,900
- Tapers $70,580
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $70,310
- Glaziers $68,900
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $65,620
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $64,980
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $64,950
- Highway Maintenance Workers $63,420
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $62,530
- Tile and Stone Setters $62,210
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $61,570
- Roofers $60,330
- Carpet Installers $60,070
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $59,840
- Plasterers and Stucco Masons $59,410
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $58,520
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $58,240
- Construction Laborers $57,240
- Helpers--Electricians $56,020
- Fence Erectors $55,240
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $49,760
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $49,310
- Helpers--Carpenters $47,010
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $44,640
- Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons $38,050
Installation, maintenance and repair 43
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $125,710
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $109,210
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment $108,100
- Avionics Technicians $107,640
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $105,130
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $92,820
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $92,230
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers $92,080
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $87,530
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $85,010
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $79,990
- Medical Equipment Repairers $78,620
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $76,940
- Millwrights $76,300
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $75,820
- Riggers $75,750
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $75,220
- Radio, Cellular, and Tower Equipment Installers and Repairers $74,130
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $73,140
- Wind Turbine Service Technicians $71,150
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $70,000
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $67,630
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $64,590
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $63,420
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $59,610
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $59,150
- Rail Car Repairers $58,870
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $58,650
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $57,910
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $57,790
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $57,170
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $55,750
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $55,650
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $55,600
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $54,870
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $52,260
- Mechanical Door Repairers $52,010
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $50,520
- Home Appliance Repairers $50,360
- Bicycle Repairers $48,990
- Motorcycle Mechanics $47,260
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $45,840
- Tire Repairers and Changers $43,400
Life, physical and social science 38
- Physical Scientists, All Other $135,080
- Physicists $120,080
- Psychologists, All Other $120,080
- Economists $116,390
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists $115,050
- Materials Scientists $110,470
- Biochemists and Biophysicists $107,730
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $107,100
- School Psychologists $106,440
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $101,140
- Hydrologists $100,000
- Epidemiologists $99,930
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $99,780
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $98,300
- Urban and Regional Planners $98,190
- Biological Scientists, All Other $96,120
- Food Scientists and Technologists $96,020
- Life Scientists, All Other $95,640
- Chemists $92,860
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists $88,800
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $88,670
- Soil and Plant Scientists $82,360
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $82,050
- Conservation Scientists $81,220
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $80,270
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $78,270
- Forensic Science Technicians $77,650
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $77,480
- Microbiologists $77,130
- Foresters $74,360
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $70,650
- Survey Researchers $64,160
- Chemical Technicians $55,940
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $54,310
- Biological Technicians $52,680
- Social Science Research Assistants $49,890
- Food Science Technicians $47,420
- Agricultural Technicians $46,710
Management 34
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $206,420
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $206,320
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $181,080
- Natural Sciences Managers $178,270
- Financial Managers $171,300
- Human Resources Managers $169,410
- Marketing Managers $168,800
- Sales Managers $167,210
- Purchasing Managers $165,170
- Managers, All Other $165,080
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $161,090
- Public Relations Managers $159,510
- Training and Development Managers $148,420
- Medical and Health Services Managers $143,300
- Industrial Production Managers $139,260
- Construction Managers $136,180
- Fundraising Managers $135,730
- Administrative Services Managers $133,910
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $131,620
- Facilities Managers $130,300
- General and Operations Managers $130,240
- Emergency Management Directors $129,110
- Gambling Managers $121,800
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $118,470
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $110,310
- Legislators $109,390
- Social and Community Service Managers $98,710
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $96,250
- Food Service Managers $92,290
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $91,370
- Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers $89,450
- Lodging Managers $86,890
- Education Administrators, All Other $83,750
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $64,360
Architecture and engineering 33
- Computer Hardware Engineers $174,070
- Aerospace Engineers $158,600
- Materials Engineers $140,810
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $136,930
- Chemical Engineers $130,830
- Electrical Engineers $130,730
- Petroleum Engineers $129,660
- Nuclear Engineers $125,130
- Engineers, All Other $125,080
- Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers $125,010
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $121,730
- Industrial Engineers $119,670
- Environmental Engineers $115,770
- Mechanical Engineers $109,370
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $106,410
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians $105,910
- Civil Engineers $105,090
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $97,800
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $97,020
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $96,120
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $93,030
- Surveyors $88,340
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians $87,550
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $84,530
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $81,530
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $78,110
- Mechanical Drafters $75,190
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $73,980
- Landscape Architects $71,690
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $68,580
- Drafters, All Other $68,120
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $65,140
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $61,660
Arts, design, entertainment and media 32
- Art Directors $143,490
- Sound Engineering Technicians $110,950
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $106,720
- Media and Communication Equipment Workers, All Other $94,760
- Technical Writers $93,230
- Writers and Authors $86,170
- Public Relations Specialists $85,500
- Editors $85,250
- Artists and Related Workers, All Other $84,470
- Interior Designers $79,490
- Producers and Directors $79,220
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $78,370
- Set and Exhibit Designers $78,320
- Fashion Designers $77,990
- Music Directors and Composers $77,840
- Graphic Designers $76,010
- Audio and Video Technicians $73,160
- Interpreters and Translators $69,620
- Film and Video Editors $66,110
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $57,040
- Broadcast Technicians $56,920
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $53,340
- Designers, All Other $50,520
- Media and Communication Workers, All Other $49,300
- Coaches and Scouts $47,340
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $45,760
- Photographers $44,580
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $42,400
- Floral Designers $41,160
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $40,040
- Musicians and Singers not reported
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other not reported
Transport and material moving 31
- Air Traffic Controllers $164,070
- Commercial Pilots $123,530
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $104,560
- Transportation Inspectors $97,360
- Crane and Tower Operators $96,870
- Ship Engineers $96,390
- Airfield Operations Specialists $82,540
- Locomotive Engineers $73,410
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $71,440
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $70,360
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $70,260
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $64,860
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $63,760
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $61,860
- Railroad Brake, Signal, and Switch Operators and Locomotive Firers $61,210
- Bus Drivers, School $60,250
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $49,000
- Aircraft Service Attendants $48,480
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $48,270
- Light Truck Drivers $47,870
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $45,850
- Passenger Attendants $45,430
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $44,030
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $43,810
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $43,190
- Stockers and Order Fillers $42,210
- Parking Attendants $41,200
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $39,630
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $39,020
- Driver/Sales Workers $38,800
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $36,340
Business and financial 30
- Management Analysts $118,730
- Project Management Specialists $117,030
- Personal Financial Advisors $112,020
- Financial Examiners $110,340
- Financial Risk Specialists $109,890
- Labor Relations Specialists $108,110
- Financial and Investment Analysts $102,370
- Logisticians $101,830
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $97,550
- Accountants and Auditors $96,180
- Insurance Underwriters $95,310
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $94,300
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $93,450
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $91,740
- Budget Analysts $88,400
- Compliance Officers $86,200
- Credit Analysts $85,650
- Human Resources Specialists $83,230
- Training and Development Specialists $82,910
- Cost Estimators $82,900
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $81,850
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $80,120
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $80,100
- Loan Officers $77,040
- Financial Specialists, All Other $75,560
- Fundraisers $73,840
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $72,520
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $66,070
- Credit Counselors $61,170
- Tax Preparers $45,120
Personal care and service 25
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $75,750
- Barbers $70,750
- Skincare Specialists $64,880
- Costume Attendants $62,430
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $60,010
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $59,830
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $58,920
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $58,170
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $50,350
- Gambling Dealers $49,450
- Tour and Travel Guides $48,830
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $47,840
- Residential Advisors $47,110
- Recreation Workers $43,850
- Animal Trainers $42,810
- Concierges $42,770
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $39,970
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $39,310
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $39,210
- Funeral Attendants $38,480
- Animal Caretakers $38,400
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $37,970
- Childcare Workers $37,800
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $37,730
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $36,700
Protective service 22
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $134,120
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $125,640
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $116,950
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $116,450
- Fish and Game Wardens $115,400
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $102,640
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $94,070
- Firefighters $93,490
- First-Line Supervisors of Protective Service Workers, All Other $79,150
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $76,400
- Parking Enforcement Workers $70,310
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $66,310
- Transportation Security Screeners $65,960
- Bailiffs $65,450
- Private Detectives and Investigators $65,370
- Animal Control Workers $65,210
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $59,680
- Security Guards $48,010
- Gambling Surveillance Officers and Gambling Investigators $46,220
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $42,310
- School Bus Monitors $41,720
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $38,510
Sales 20
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $130,470
- Sales Engineers $122,240
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $91,450
- Real Estate Brokers $81,450
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $80,530
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $79,190
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $77,900
- Real Estate Sales Agents $76,980
- Advertising Sales Agents $75,260
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $70,050
- Travel Agents $62,620
- Insurance Sales Agents $58,660
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $58,460
- Counter and Rental Clerks $47,420
- Parts Salespersons $44,360
- Telemarketers $38,570
- Retail Salespersons $38,350
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $37,540
- Cashiers $37,300
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $37,030
Computing and mathematics 19
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $221,990
- Software Developers $166,910
- Computer Programmers $158,820
- Data Scientists $158,760
- Computer Network Architects $155,890
- Actuaries $153,260
- Database Architects $144,050
- Information Security Analysts $142,920
- Computer Occupations, All Other $131,800
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $128,270
- Computer Systems Analysts $127,420
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $126,960
- Database Administrators $114,700
- Web Developers $112,010
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $103,990
- Statisticians $101,890
- Operations Research Analysts $96,490
- Computer Network Support Specialists $94,250
- Computer User Support Specialists $68,640
Healthcare support 16
- Massage Therapists $82,820
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $76,010
- Physical Therapist Assistants $72,950
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $59,010
- Dental Assistants $57,040
- Medical Assistants $55,120
- Orderlies $51,870
- Medical Equipment Preparers $51,190
- Psychiatric Aides $51,080
- Nursing Assistants $48,260
- Phlebotomists $47,700
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $46,140
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $43,590
- Pharmacy Aides $43,320
- Physical Therapist Aides $37,730
- Medical Transcriptionists $37,120
Community and social service 15
- Social Workers, All Other $96,550
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $83,930
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $79,800
- Clergy $77,530
- Healthcare Social Workers $75,670
- Health Education Specialists $72,540
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $72,290
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $69,060
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $64,220
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $61,980
- Religious Workers, All Other $60,310
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $58,830
- Rehabilitation Counselors $58,620
- Community Health Workers $56,460
- Social and Human Service Assistants $49,940
Food preparation and serving 15
- Chefs and Head Cooks $69,800
- Cooks, All Other $54,460
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $49,850
- Bartenders $48,320
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $48,260
- Waiters and Waitresses $47,490
- Cooks, Short Order $46,010
- Cooks, Restaurant $44,980
- Food Preparation Workers $38,950
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $38,800
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $37,770
- Dishwashers $37,600
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $36,820
- Cooks, Fast Food $36,800
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $36,500
Building and grounds maintenance 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $69,060
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $61,750
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $58,850
- Pest Control Workers $50,190
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $48,570
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $46,200
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $45,570
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $45,460
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $43,720
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $39,410
Farming, fishing and forestry 10
- Fallers $76,220
- Logging Equipment Operators $74,400
- Agricultural Inspectors $62,560
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $60,930
- Log Graders and Scalers $59,670
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $43,540
- Forest and Conservation Workers $43,480
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $39,980
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $37,090
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $34,860
Legal 7
- Lawyers $151,950
- Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates $131,740
- Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers $121,850
- Legal Support Workers, All Other $81,060
- Judicial Law Clerks $80,260
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants $78,010
- Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers $60,730
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Washington?
The median across all occupations is $61,590 a year, or $29.61 an hour, covering 3,539,650 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Washington?
Podiatrists ($228,170), Computer and Information Research Scientists ($221,990), Pediatricians, General ($209,780) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Washington employ the most people in?
Home Health and Personal Care Aides, with 100,360 employed at a median of $46,140. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Washington electricity averages 14.95¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.