Career Atlas USA

Careers in Bellingham, WA

Part of Washington.

Bellingham, WA’s regional price level is above the national average (index 103.334, where 100 = U.S. average, 2024 BEA data).

Unemployment rate: 4.1% · 109,739 people employed (2026-06, BLS LAUS, not seasonally adjusted).

Highest-Paying Careers

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  1. 1Chief Executives$236,930
  2. 2Architectural and Engineering Managers$193,360
  3. 3Computer and Information Systems Managers$169,640
  4. 4Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$169,470
  5. 5Dentists, General$168,030

Largest Occupations

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  1. 1Fast Food and Counter Workers2,830 employed
  2. 2Retail Salespersons2,830 employed
  3. 3Home Health and Personal Care Aides2,350 employed
  4. 4Cashiers2,190 employed
  5. 5Registered Nurses1,850 employed

Highest Concentration

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  1. 1Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers19.69× national avg
  2. 2Machine Feeders and Offbearers6.33× national avg
  3. 3Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners6.27× national avg
  4. 4Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing5.79× national avg
  5. 5Roofers5.52× national avg

Best Purchasing Power

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cost-of-living adjusted

  1. 1Chief Executives$229,286
  2. 2Architectural and Engineering Managers$187,121
  3. 3Computer and Information Systems Managers$164,167
  4. 4Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$164,002
  5. 5Dentists, General$162,609

Sources

Wage and employment data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities. Unemployment rate: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). Opportunity Score isn’t available at the metro level yet — see Washington state page.