The Highest-Paying, Most In-Demand Jobs in Seattle

When it comes to finding a job, location matters—a lot. The importance of certain industries, the number and types of companies, the availability of labor, and the amount of money that jobs pay are all impacted by location.

The Seattle area’s economy has seen massive growth in recent years, adding more than 2,177 jobs between 2023 and 2024 alone. Driven largely by the growth of the tech industry—as well as the retail, healthcare, and business services industries—the rise in available jobs has led to record unemployment and a tightening labor pool. As a result, average hourly wages in the Seattle area for all occupations are up to $41.60 compared to the national average of $31.48.

This is good news for those seeking high-paying jobs in Seattle.

Below, we explore the industries and career paths that offer some of the highest-paying, in-demand jobs in Seattle, and offer tips and advice that you can use to land the job of your dreams. Career advancement in Seattle is particularly vibrant in the following sectors.

Highest-paying jobs and industries in Seattle

1. Science and Technology

As mentioned above, the tech industry is booming in Seattle, thanks in large part to a number of successful tech companies based in the area, as well as many equally successful startups seeking to disrupt their industries.

Companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Tableau are all vying for the same talent, leading to very competitive wages in the tech space. According to current job postings, these are the highest-paying science- and tech-focused jobs in the Seattle area:

1. Software engineer : $136,600–$196,900
2. Data analyst : $71,100–$110,400
3. Cloud engineer : $100,000–$130,000
4. Product manager : $120,000–$150,000
5. UX/UI designer : $85,000–$120,000

2. Business and professional services

The explosive growth of tech in Seattle hasn’t just led to an increase in tech jobs, however. It’s also led to an increase in the number of job postings related to business and professional services. After all, any company, regardless of industry, needs skilled and talented management and leadership to be successful; and many of the largest companies rely on a number of smaller, outside teams for support in a range of their operations.

According to ZipRecruiter and Glassdoor , this sector touts some of the highest average salaries in the area, showing just how valuable successful leadership can be:

1. Senior executive assistant : $68,300–$120,100
2. Financial managers: $168,000–$268,000
3. Human resources managers: $118,267–$149,760
4. Sales managers: $110,462
5. Advertising and promotions manager: $102,496

3. Healthcare

Seattle, historically one of the fastest-growing large cities in the United States during the 2010s, continues to be a hub of economic activity and opportunity. While the growth rate has stabilized to a more sustainable 0.8% from July 2022 to July 2023, this steadiness allows the city to maintain a balanced job market that attracts diverse talent.

The demand for skilled workers remains high across various sectors, from technology to healthcare, supporting a robust economy. This ongoing demand not only sustains job opportunities but also supports a dynamic community of professionals and their families, contributing to the city’s vibrant and diverse cultural landscape.

Although Seattle’s growth has slowed down from its peak in the 2010s, the healthcare industry continues to thrive as a crucial sector. This strength is supported by a steady influx of healthcare startups that are innovating and expanding the local healthcare landscape. Despite a more moderate overall growth rate, healthcare professionals in Seattle, including hospitalists, nurse practitioners, optometrists, and certified nursing assistants, continue to be among the highest earners in the city. This reflects the consistent demand and competitive salaries in the healthcare field, highlighting Seattle’s reputation as a stable hub for medical professionals.

1. Hospitalist: $284,500–$375,500
2. Nurse practitioner: $122,900–$170,700
3. Optometrist: $111,500–$166,200
4. Outpatient clinic RN: $74,000–$114,400
5. Certified nursing assistant (CNA): $38,700–$53,500

How hard is it to find a job in Seattle?

Despite Seattle’s reputation as a hub of innovation and growth, particularly in the tech sector, the job market can be quite competitive. The city’s economic landscape has diversified, with industries like healthcare, retail, and business services also vying for top talent.

As more companies establish their presence and existing firms expand, the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise. However, this growth brings with it increased competition for high-paying positions.

Job seekers in Seattle must navigate a market where top qualifications and unique skill sets are often prerequisites to securing good positions. Therefore, understanding the dynamics of Seattle’s job market is crucial for those looking to advance their careers in this vibrant city.

How to increase your chances of landing a high-paying job in Seattle

In the Seattle job market, the limited availability of skilled workers not only drives up wages but also intensifies competition among job seekers. This dynamic environment can make securing a high-paying job particularly challenging.

However, there are proactive measures you can take to enhance your visibility and appeal to potential employers, boosting your chances of landing a desirable position in this competitive landscape.

1. Learn new skills and improve existing ones.

Whether you are fresh out of high school or your undergraduate studies or you’ve been in the workforce for years, it’s imperative that you perpetually reinforce and expand your skill set. Doing so will make it easier for you to move up within your current organization or even transition to a new company altogether.

Stay on top of industry news and trends to understand how technology and the changing global economy might influence your position. You can use this knowledge to learn new skills which in turn can lead to greater job stability and career options in the future. In addition to self-education, earning a certificate or attending a bootcamp or workshop related to your industry can be incredibly helpful.

2. Consider furthering your education with an advanced degree.

For many industries—especially those related to technology, science, and management—a graduate degree is required to move into a senior position. Even if an advanced degree isn’t required, it can serve as a differentiator between you and competing applicants, helping you to demonstrate expertise and proficiency in the skills required for the job.

Beyond giving you a competitive advantage, a graduate degree provides additional benefits that can make it a worthwhile investment, even if it’s not required for the position you are considering.

The key to success is finding the right degree that you can leverage to get the career that you want. Ultimately, the degree that will be right for you will depend on the type of work you want to do and the industry you want to work in. Consider the numerous programs offered at Northeastern in Seattle, such as analytics programs, management programs, and more, to accelerate your career.

If you’re interested in data analytics, consider earning a master’s degree in economics, or data analytics engineering. Are you interested in leadership and management? You should consider earning a master’s degree in project management. Or are you passionate about computer science and IT. If that’s the case, you should consider earning a master’s degree in information systems, or computer science.

3. Gain relevant experience.

Being able to demonstrate applicable experience is just as important for many jobs as having the right educational background. For that reason, if you choose to pursue an advanced degree, seek one that includes an internship, co-op, or experiential learning opportunities—especially if the career you are trying to break into is one that you do not have experience working in.

Having relevant experience can often be the tiebreaker that employers use to choose between two applicants with comparable educational background.

Unlocking career opportunities in Seattle

If you’re based in the Seattle area and are looking for ways to land a high-paying job or advance in your career, the academic programs offered by Northeastern University in Seattle can help you do just that. By bringing together challenging academics, experiential learning, and faculty members with industry experience, they’re designed to meet the needs of Seattle area businesses.

Engaging with these programs not only equips you with the necessary skills and knowledge but also connects you with a network of professionals and opportunities unique to this region. This integration of education and real-world application ensures that graduates are not just prepared but are also highly sought after in the job market.

Whether you aim to enter the tech industry, healthcare, or business services, Northeastern’s tailored approach provides a clear pathway to success. Start your journey today and build a future that leverages the dynamic and ever-evolving Seattle economic landscape.