Bellevue and Seattle Among Top Cities for Full-Time Earners in 2023

When it comes to high-paying jobs in the U.S., the Pacific Northwest is holding its own — and then some. New data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey highlights just how well full-time workers in Bellevue and Seattle are doing, placing both cities among the top earners nationally.

💼 Bellevue: Second-Highest Median Income in the U.S.

Bellevue continues to shine on the national stage. With a median income of $132,500 for full-time workers, the city ranked second nationwide — only Sunnyvale, California ($151,100) came in higher. The numbers reflect the city’s growing presence as a tech and business hub, drawing talent from around the globe.

Bellevue’s Eastside neighbor, Kirkland, also made an impressive showing. It ranked sixth nationally, with a median income of $116,300, reinforcing the Eastside’s reputation as a magnet for high-paying careers.

🏙️ Seattle Joins the Six-Figure Club

Seattle had a milestone moment of its own in 2023. For the first time, the median income for full-time workers in the city topped six figures, reaching $100,955. That achievement placed Seattle 14th among all U.S. cities and second among the 50 largest.

Behind the numbers is a booming job market powered by tech, healthcare, education, and other high-skill sectors. Still, not every paycheck tells the same story — the data also highlights significant disparities, both by industry and gender.

📊 Who Earns the Most in Seattle?

Not surprisingly, those working in STEM and professional fields are leading the pack when it comes to income:

• Mathematical & Computer Occupations: $164,900

• Legal Professions: $138,300

• Management Roles: $125,800

These numbers show the continued dominance of tech and professional services in the Seattle economy — and the premium that employers are willing to pay for specialized skills.

⚖️ Gender Pay Gap Persists

While incomes are rising overall, the gender pay gap remains a serious issue. In 2023:

• Male full-time workers in Seattle earned a median income of $111,600

• Female full-time workers earned $90,300

That’s a difference of more than $21,000. One major factor? Men continue to hold a large majority of high-paying roles in tech and other top-earning sectors. In fact, men occupy about 75% of the city’s top tech jobs.

📉 Not Everyone is Earning Big

Although headlines often focus on top earners, a significant slice of Seattle’s workforce earns far less:

• Roughly 16% of full-time workers in Seattle bring in less than $53,800 a year

• Another one-third (around 115,400 people) fall into the $50,000–$99,999 income range

So while the average numbers are impressive, they don't tell the full story of income inequality and cost-of-living challenges in the region.

🌟 What Does It All Mean?

Whether you’re a job seeker, a recruiter, or someone considering a move to the Seattle area, this data paints a clear picture: Bellevue and Seattle are economic powerhouses with strong earning potential — especially for those in tech, law, and leadership roles. But these opportunities also come with challenges, including rising costs and persistent wage gaps.

Understanding the full landscape — the highs, the averages, and the disparities — can help you make informed decisions about your career, your finances, or your next big move.

This post was based on information found on The Seattle Times