Reasons to Live in Seattle: Job Market and Cost of Living Insights

Seattle, Washington, is a city on the rise with the local population, job opportunities, and average salary continuing to increase steadily year after year. What is it about this region that has made it such an in-demand location for job-seekers and career advancers alike?

While many may credit Seattle’s growth solely to the popularity of local tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft, there are a number of defining factors that have put Seattle and its local job market on the map. Read on to learn about what it’s like to live and work in Seattle, and how obtaining a degree from a regional-specific institution has the potential to set you on a strategic path toward success.

Highlights of living, learning, and working in Seattle

• Diverse economy: Seattle continues to be one of America’s fastest-growing cities, with significant increases in population, job opportunities, and average salaries. Key industries in Seattle include technology, healthcare, manufacturing, business and professional services, and STEM, providing a robust job market.
• Educational opportunities: Northeastern University—Seattle offers industry-aligned graduate programs that enhance career prospects in this competitive environment.
• Cost of living: Despite a higher cost of living compared to the national average, Seattle is more affordable than other major tech hubs like San Francisco and NYC.
• Hands-on learning: Northeastern’s emphasis on experiential learning, such as co-ops and internships, helps students gain practical skills and real-world experience.
• Competitive job market: With a low unemployment rate and high salary averages, Seattle’s job market is flourishing, but competition is fierce, making advanced education and networking key to career advancement.

Living in Seattle

Seattle has a metro population of 773,497, and this number only continues to increase over time. The city was named the decade’s fastest-growing in all of America for 2017 and continued its growth the following year. As of 2024, the Seattle metro area’s population has reached 3,549,000, marking a modest increase of 0.85% from the previous year.

The quality of life in Seattle is high, ranking among the top 20 in America for 2024 in regard to factors like safety, purchasing power, healthcare, traffic, pollution, and more. Additionally, the state of Washington was ranked number one best state in the U.S. in 2024.

Cost of living in Seattle

The cost of living in Seattle is significantly higher than the national average, a common reality among highly populated metropolitan cities with an array of job high-quality opportunities for residents.

Compared to other similarly-scaled locations, Seattle has an overall cheaper cost of living, requiring less to live annually than in New York City, San Francisco, or Washington D.C.

According to PayScale, rent in Seattle costs an average of $2,896 per month, and the average cost of a home is $952,328. The cost of energy, however, is cheaper in Seattle than almost anywhere else in the country due to the high number of hydroelectric power plants in use throughout Washington state.

Seattle’s regional culture

Although Seattle’s reputation as a rainy city doesn’t always paint the location in the most favorable light, people who live in Seattle have a lot to love about their city.

Seattle offers beautiful views of the Northwest region, as well as semi-local access to two of the top 25 best-ranked national parks in America. The local climate is also a draw, with temperatures remaining fairly consistent year-round, including average highs of 59 and lows of 45. Seattle’s location has also influenced the city’s environmental consciousness; it was voted the sixth greenest city in the U.S.

Culture-wise, Seattle has many top restaurants featuring local cuisine, which includes, most notably, fresh seafood. The city is also known for being extremely dog-friendly (it was named the most dog-friendly city in America by Rover.com) and for being the most well-read city in America.

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Working in Seattle

Seattle’s economy is booming, offering a substantial number of job opportunities for individuals living and working in the region and an above-average career outlook. Residents of this city earn a median amount of $124,473 per year—a full $49,324 more than the national average.

Statewide, the unemployment rate is down from 10.4% in 2010 to 4.8% as of June 2024. The unemployment rate in Seattle itself is 4.4%, which is lower than the national average.

5 top industries in Seattle

A few key industries define Seattle’s current economic landscape, including:

1. Technology
The technology industry continues to be a top player in Seattle’s economy. Alongside tech giant, Amazon, big-name organizations like Microsoft, Expedia, and Zillow have been drawing an exceptional amount of tech-based talent to the area, allowing an already growing industry to continue increasing at a rapid rate. With the addition of AI, Seattle continues to grow this year, adding 74.4 new AI job listings per 100,000 residents, ranking second among hubs of artificial intelligence innovation.

2. STEM
STEM roles, which include science, engineering, mathematics, and technology, are thriving in Seattle. Over the past decade, the city has experienced consistent growth in these sectors, significantly increasing local employment and solidifying Seattle’s reputation as a major hub for STEM professionals. Past analyses indicate that the expansion in STEM jobs has steadily placed Seattle among the top STEM clusters in the United States, demonstrating the region’s strong commitment to advancing these critical fields.

3. Manufacturing
Manufacturing is the oldest and one of the most substantial industries in Seattle. Led by Boeing—“the world’s largest aerospace company”—the manufacturing industry in Seattle has been a staple in the local economy for decades. Other local top players in this industry include Honeywell Aerospace, Philips, and GE Healthcare. Overall employment in this industry has increased by 1.6% in the past 12 months.

4. Business and professional services
The tech companies in Seattle have brought with them a variety of business roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the business and financial sector account for a total of 9% of the entire city’s employment, followed by jobs in management (6.1% ), jobs in sales (9.1% ), and jobs in office and administrative support (10.8% ).

5. Healthcare
As of 2022, there were 54,375 jobs in Seattle’s healthcare sector, and these numbers have continued to rise due to the growing population and localized advancements in technology. In an article published in The Seattle Times, Megan Slabinski, a district president with staffing firm Robert Half, explained that the large tech presence in Seattle has caused this dynamic evolution and expansion of the healthcare system in the region, as hospitals and medical facilities work to modernize their operations through available technology.

5 top brands and companies in Seattle

Even with such a vast array of different industries defining Seattle’s economy, there are a few organizations that rise to the top as some of the most notable in the city.

1. Amazon
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Amazon is the first on the list of top companies in Seattle. As of the latest update, Amazon’s workforce has grown significantly, reflecting its ongoing expansion and leadership in the e-commerce and technology sectors. The company consistently offers a wide range of job opportunities across various fields, adapting to the dynamic needs of its global operations. Find open opportunities on Amazon’s careers page.

2. Google
Google has a significant footprint in Seattle, employing a large number of individuals across multiple offices in the region. The Seattle campuses are bustling hubs where employees engage in a range of activities from software development to project management, contributing to the company’s global operations in tech innovation.

Recognized for its outstanding workplace culture, Google consistently ranks among the best employers both nationally and globally. The company has received numerous accolades, including top rankings in Forbes’ annual lists for America’s Best Employers and the World’s Most Valuable Brands. For those looking to join Google’s dynamic team, the company’s careers page offers detailed information on available positions, employee benefits, and insights into the vibrant culture that defines Google’s workplace.

3. Microsoft
Microsoft, another Fortune 500 technology company, has also set up its headquarters in the greater Seattle area. Known primarily for the creation of some of the most famous software and operating systems in the world, Microsoft employs 228,000 employees globally—50,000 of which work out of the Washington location.

A significant portion of Microsoft’s workforce is dedicated to engineering, highlighting the company’s focus on technological innovation. Key employment areas also include global commercial business and global sales, maintenance, and operations. These departments are vital for supporting Microsoft’s extensive global operations and ensuring service excellence. Explore current job openings and learn how you can join the Microsoft team on Microsoft’s careers page.

4. Apple
Apple significantly enhances Seattle’s tech scene, employing thousands in areas like software engineering and artificial intelligence from its Seattle offices. Known globally for its innovative products like iPhones and Macs, Apple’s presence bolsters the city’s status as a tech hub.

The company is celebrated for its exceptional workplace environment, consistently ranking on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work. Those interested in joining Apple can explore career opportunities and company culture details on Apple’s careers page, a resource for professionals looking to work at the forefront of technology.

5. Meta
Meta, formerly known as Facebook, maintains a significant presence in Seattle, reinforcing its role as a major player in the digital and social media landscape. With its expansive offices, Meta employs a large workforce in the region, focusing on roles in software development, data analysis, and user experience design.

The company’s impact on local technology innovation is substantial, enhancing Seattle’s reputation as a tech hub. Recognized for its progressive workplace policies, Meta has earned accolades for being a top employer, including high rankings for inclusivity and employee satisfaction.

Those interested in exploring career opportunities at Meta can visit the company’s careers page for information on available positions and the benefits of working at one of the most influential tech companies in the world.

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5 top careers in Seattle

Although the array of top companies and brands in Seattle provides opportunities for individuals on any career path to succeed, there are a few positions in the city that are most common among residents.

1. Software engineer
This popular computer science job requires work in both the design and development stages of software creation. Individuals in these roles are primarily in charge of ensuring the programs created by the software developers function as planned.

Those who hold a software engineer title likely have either a bachelor’s degree alongside extensive fieldwork or a Master of Science in Computer Science degree.

Careers in software engineering are particularly prevalent in Seattle, as the three top roles in the city include software engineers, software development engineers, and senior software engineers, respectively. In Seattle, individuals in these roles earn far above the national average for each position, with software engineers making an average of $135,389 per year, software development engineers making an average of $109,621 per year, and senior software engineers making an average of $159,101 per year.

2. Project manager
The responsibilities of a project manager can vary greatly depending on the industry and the scope of work they are overseeing. In general, however, most project managers are in charge of seeing a project through from creation to completion, including managing timelines, communicating with team members and stakeholders, developing project scopes, handling deliverables, overseeing the budget, and much more.

Project managers in mid- to senior-level roles often have a Master of Science in Project Management degree.

Project managers in Seattle specifically make an average of $103,090 per year compared to the $80,182 per year made on average nationally.

3. Operations manager
Operations managers are in charge of ensuring that operations within their organization are running as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Primarily, this includes identifying problems in processes as well as opportunities for improvement, handling budgeting, planning, reporting, auditing, ensuring regulatory compliance, and more.

Although some companies may consider aspiring operations managers with only a bachelor’s degree, many employers—especially in a competitive market like Seattle—require a master’s degree from their candidates. Individuals might pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Project Management to acquire these skills.

Operations managers in Seattle make an average of $130,915 per year, compared to the national annual average of $73,068.

4. Software developer
Individuals in these roles work with system engineers and computer programmers to create computer applications that can carry out specific tasks. They are comfortable working with complex systems and are familiar with common programming languages such as C++, Python, Java, and more.

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, IT, or other relevant fields may be enough to break into this career, however, considering the constantly changing trends in technology, many software developers today are opting to continue their studies with a Master of Science in Computer Science degree.

Software developers, in general, make an average total of $78,813 per year. In Seattle, however, the demand for individuals with these skills has increased the average salary to $135,389 per year—a whopping $56,576 more annually.

5. Marketing manager
Marketing managers are in charge of overseeing the promotion of an organization, brand, or product through campaigns and sales efforts. Individuals at this higher level must be able to oversee input from various teams, including research, design, content, sales, and advertising.

Most individuals who hold a marketing manager role have advanced education in the field. This may take the form of a master’s degree in marketing or an MBA with a Marketing Concentration.

Marketing managers in Seattle make an average of $91,626 per year.

Seattle’s competitive job market

As the high salaries among top jobs in Seattle suggest, the job market in this area is flourishing. However, alongside great job opportunities like these come the natural rush of qualified individuals looking to land a coveted role at one of the top companies in the area. 

With thousands of prospective applicants all vying for the same positions, it’s vital that local and transplant Seattleites alike take the necessary steps to stand out among the sea of qualified candidates.

Some of the best ways to stand out in a competitive job market include:

• Acquiring hands-on experience (preferably at the company in which you wish to work).
• Using the power of your network.
• Advancing your education.

While each of these approaches can be pursued individually, those who are truly committed to advancing their career may also consider enrolling in a graduate degree program at a university like Northeastern. These programs provide opportunities for networking, experiential learning, and a chance for students to expand their career-relevant skill sets—all at the same time.

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Studying in Seattle

Those who strategically want to advance their careers in a specific location like Seattle should also consider the benefits of receiving a degree from an institution in that area. Doing so can provide students with local opportunities and contacts that can help distinguish them from other applicants during a job search.

Universities like Northeastern understand that this kind of region-specific advanced education can play a key role in students’ overall success. To provide individuals in cities across North America and beyond with opportunities to excel through the pursuit of a graduate degree, Northeastern has expanded to include 12 regional locations alongside their Boston campus, including Charlotte, Toronto, Vancouver, and Seattle.

These regional locations have each been designed with the demands of the local job market and the most popular careers within each region in mind. In Seattle, for example, popular program offerings include the Master of Science in Computer Science, Master of  Professional Studies in Analytics, and Master of Science in Information Systems, among others.

Read on to explore what graduate students at Northeastern University in Seattle will have the chance to experience during the programs that will help set them up to land a coveted role in Seattle’s competitive job market post-graduation.

Work alongside industry leaders

Top universities like Northeastern recognize the impact that proper hands-on learning can have on both a student’s educational experience and future career opportunities. For this reason, Northeastern has included experiential learning as a core component in its approach to education. These experiential learning opportunities—such as co-ops or internships—allow students the chance to translate the skills learned in the classroom to the workplace.

From a job-seeking perspective, experiential learning gives students the chance to learn first-hand what organizations actually value from their employees. They can then begin to better understand the soft skills, practical abilities, and experience employers prefer from candidates and strategically work to improve their own qualifications to better meet those standards moving forward. What’s more, having the chance to meet and work alongside others in their field is a great way to learn about job opportunities and develop relationships with industry professionals who might act as a reference or provide a positive recommendation down the line.

Grow your local network

In today’s workplaces, 85% of jobs are filled through networking. In fact, many jobs never even make it to job posting sites and are, instead, being filled by the connections current employees have in their networks.

Luckily, graduate school provides an array of unique and impactful opportunities for networking. Between introductions to classmates and professors who share a passion for your field, invitations to industry-aligned or alumni events, and exposure to big-name organizations through experiential learning, students will have ample chances to meet and connect with important people in their industry—connections that can help them land an in-demand role in your field later on.

Expand your skill sets

Especially in a competitive job market like Seattle’s, candidates with the right combination of skills in each industry will stand out among the masses. Obtaining a graduate degree is an efficient way for students to hone the abilities they do have while simultaneously filling in any gaps in their knowledge with tailored courses aimed at creating well-rounded, working professionals. 

Even students who feel they gained a solid understanding of the skills and practices that relate to their field during the pursuit of their undergraduate degree can benefit from exploring their subject area further. Taking courses that will keep them up-to-date with the evolving trends of their industries will help them remain relevant and allow them to stand out in a job interview.

Graduate school also provides a great opportunity for students to declare a specialization in their area of study, tailoring their knowledge and skills that much more closely to the work they hope to complete within organizations post-graduation. 

Consider Northeastern University in Seattle

Those looking to land a role in one of Seattle’s top industries or companies should consider earning a graduate degree at a region-specific institution like Northeastern University in Seattle. Advancing your education with Northeastern will provide unmatched opportunities for hands-on learning, networking, and skill development that can help keep you competitive among other job-seekers, land a coveted role, and, ultimately, thrive as part of Seattle’s flourishing community.

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