Announcing Seattle’s Highest-Paying Jobs in 2025
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Seattle is a thriving city in the U.S. - and it's not just because of the coffee. The Emerald City is home to some of the highest paying careers that don't require a 4-year degree, including tech professionals and trade workers such as plumbers and electricians. So, if you're looking for a new job or a career change, there's no time like the present to check out Seattle.
If you think finding a career can be difficult, you are in luck. SkillPointe has done the work for you! We have compiled a list of the highest paying jobs in Seattle so you can take your next career step.
And best of all, many of these non-degree jobs only require some training or experience which is possible through community colleges, trade schools or even employer-sponsored training. So why wait? Start exploring the best jobs in Seattle today with SkillPointe!
Top 20 Highest-Paying Skilled Jobs in Seattle
You might be surprised to find so many job opportunities where you can hope to bring home far more than the average annual salary for the area. We've taken a close look at what skilled jobs in Seattle pay, including what you can expect when you first start in a new field and how much you might bring home as you grow in your position. Here’s our top 20.
1. Data Security Management
Salary: $209,270
A Data Security Manager is someone responsible for keeping information safe and secure. Their job is to protect a company’s data, systems, and infrastructure by identifying risks and creating safeguards. Your day-to-day will be filled with different tasks, such as testing and monitoring systems, writing policies and procedures, and assisting with network administration. Learn more here.
2. Systems Analyst
Salary: $197,950
A Systems Analyst figures out the best way to solve a complex problem or do a specific task. They do this by gathering and analyzing data and then interpreting it to create the best solution for their organization. Even better – you have the opportunity to work in many different industries, making sure that your job will never get dull. Learn more here.
Salary: $197,515
Being a Software Developer is both rewarding and challenging. Developers have the opportunity to solve complex problems and create software products that millions of people use. They are the architects and builders of computer programs like apps, databases, word processing, graphic software and website applications that people use every day. They seek new challenges and learn new technologies. Learn more here.
Salary: $191,130
Database Administrators are responsible for overseeing and managing databases, which are collections of organized online information for easy access and retrieval. They make sure that databases are operating and being used correctly. Learn more here.
5. Logistician
Salary: $184,660
As a Logistician, you'll be responsible for planning the purchase, transportation and distribution of key supplies required in manufacturing and sales process. This role is critical for all industries to meet their customer demand in a timely manner. Learn more here.
6. Criminal Investigator
Salary: $159,740
Criminal Investigators play an integral role in the justice system. They gather facts and collect evidence to help solve cases. Criminal Investigators may work for a city or county police department, the state, the FBI or another federal law enforcement agency. Learn more here.
7. Technical Writer
Salary: $157,100
Technical writers have a special way of making the complicated simple and helping non-techncial friends to understand software, products, and equipment. Learn more here.
8. Network and Computer Systems Administrator
Salary: $156,190
Network and Computer Systems Administrators make sure that a company’s computer systems run smoothly. They are responsible for keeping the network and computers updated, maintaining records of system configurations, and keeping the server room secure. You’ll provide support to users, including solving technical issues and providing specialized training. Learn more here.
9. Power Plant Operator
Salary: $147,020
Power Plant Operators are a key link in the nation’s energy chain. Operators, distributors and dispatchers operate the machines that generate electricity, which is then sent to substations and eventually to homes and businesses. Learn more here.
10. Electrical Lineman
Salary: $136,790
Do you get a thrill out of living on the edge? If you do, and don’t mind heights, this is a job worth exploring. Electrical Linemen install, maintain and repair electric power lines and other equipment associated with electrical distribution and transmission systems. Learn more here.
11. Real Estate Appraiser
Salary: $136,340
If you have an analytical mind and love looking at houses, here’s an in-demand job to consider. Real Estate appraisers provide an unbiased estimate, or appraisal, of the value of land and the buildings on that land. Learn more here.
12. MRI Technician
Salary: $134,750
If you like helping people and want to learn how to operate complex equipment, a job as an MRI Technician or MRI Technologist is worth considering. An MRI Technician operates a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner to create several cross-sectional images of a designated area of a patient’s body. These are combined to create a 3D image, which is used as a diagnostic tool. Learn more here.
13. Training and Development Specialist
Salary: $134,400
As a Training and Development Specialist, you are responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating training programs for employees. You will work with managers to determine the goals of the company and the employees’ skill levels and then design training programs to help employees meet those needs. Learn more here.
14. Electro-Mechanical Technician
Salary: $134,070
Do you want to work with some of the most advanced machinery in the manufacturing industry? Electro-mechanical technicians combine mechanical technology with electronics. They operate, test and maintain automated, robotic or electro-mechanical equipment. Learn more here.
15. Dental Hygienist
Salary: $133,280
A Dental Hygienist is a healthcare professional responsible for providing preventative dental care to patients. They provide preventive oral care to their patients, such as teeth cleaning. They also offer education and advice to their patients on how to better care for their teeth and gums to make sure patients get and stay healthy. Learn more here.
16. Electrician
Salary: $131,600
An Electrician performs various jobs, such as installing electrical circuits and fixtures, maintaining them, and troubleshooting malfunctions. It's your responsibility to make sure that the electrical systems in buildings and other structures are working correctly. Learn more here.
Salary: $129,820
These highly trained technicians are best known for showing expectant parents images of their baby in the womb. They also use this specialized equipment to see inside many other parts of the human body and to aid with patient diagnoses. Learn more here.
18. Industrial Engineering Technician
Salary: $128,370
Through keen observation and creative thinking, Industrial Engineering Technicians help employees and systems operate more effectively. They help industrial engineers come up with ways to improve efficiency and help establish standard procedures. They also plan workflows, conduct studies, prepare machinery and equipment layouts, help businesses minimize inventory costs, and analyze production costs with safety and efficiency in mind. Learn more here.
19. AV Technician
Salary: $128,270
Do you have an eye for image quality and good ear for sound? Working behind the scenes, AV Technicians are the key to successful broadcasts and events. Learn more here.
20. Police Officer
Salary: $128,210
As an officer of the law, your job is to make sure the people in your community are safe. You will use your tact and peacekeeping skills to help straighten out disputes and prevent crime, which will allow you to use your strength and skills to protect the innocent. Learn more here.
At SkillPointe, we want to help you learn more about the Seattle area and the skilled jobs available. With the labor market booming, there's no time like now to move into a new position.
Do you want to learn more about any of these or other high-demand jobs and careers? Check out our Explore Careers page or take our super quick CareerPointer Quiz to see which careers best fit your unique personality. It’s fun and takes less than two minutes!
About SkillPointe Career Rankings
SkillPointe career rankings are based on a proprietary analysis of multiple data sources, including SkillPointe user behavior, Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Employment Matrix, and Occupational Employment Statistics.
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