📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Atmospheric Scientist Salary in Washington (2026)

Washington · 25.0% above national average · High Demand

Average
$122,850
per year
Median
$116,600
per year
Hourly
$59.06
per hour
🏛️ Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$76,288
25th Percentile — Junior$100,038
50th Percentile — Median$116,600
75th Percentile — Senior$153,475
90th Percentile — Top Earners$173,972
💡 Top-earning Atmospheric Scientists in Washington make up to $173,972 per year. The job market in Washington is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$103.4k
2021
$107.1k
2022
$110.8k
2023
$114.7k
2024
$118.7k
2025
$122.8k
2026
📈 Atmospheric Scientist salaries in Washington have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Washington's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Atmospheric Scientist Salary by City in Washington
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Seattle $169,533 +38.0% High
Spokane $122,850 +0.0% High
Tacoma $147,420 +20.0% High
🔍
Atmospheric Scientist Job Market in Washington
Key factors affecting compensation

Washington is home to a very strong job market for Atmospheric Scientists. The state's key industries — Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $122,850 per year, Washington's Atmospheric Scientist salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in Washington (index: 1.25) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Washington can expect to earn $76,288–$100,038, while experienced Atmospheric Scientists can command $153,475–$173,972.

Looking ahead, the Atmospheric Scientist profession in Washington is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Atmospheric Scientist salary in Washington is $122,850 per year in 2026, which is 25.0% above the national average of $98,280.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Atmospheric Scientists the highest wages in Washington due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Washington has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Atmospheric Scientist employment.
  • At $122,850/year, Washington Atmospheric Scientist salaries are 25.0% higher than the national average of $98,280/year.