Career Atlas USA

Careers in Washington

Washington’s regional price level is above the national average (index 107.013, where 100 = U.S. average, 2024 BEA data).

Unemployment rate: 4.5% · Labor force participation: 61.7% · 3,843,224 people employed (2026-07, BLS LAUS, not seasonally adjusted).

Highest-Paying Careers

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  1. 1Cardiologists$656,330
  2. 2Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$553,310
  3. 3Dermatologists$526,170
  4. 4Anesthesiologists$499,990
  5. 5Surgeons, All Other$479,460

Largest Occupations

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  1. 1Software Developers107,030 employed
  2. 2Home Health and Personal Care Aides103,260 employed
  3. 3Fast Food and Counter Workers94,710 employed
  4. 4Retail Salespersons84,850 employed
  5. 5Registered Nurses69,260 employed

Highest Concentration

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  1. 1Avionics Technicians7.91× national avg
  2. 2Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians6.18× national avg
  3. 3Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers5.51× national avg
  4. 4Tapers5.30× national avg
  5. 5Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products4.93× national avg

Best Purchasing Power

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cost-of-living adjusted

  1. 1Cardiologists$613,318
  2. 2Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$517,049
  3. 3Dermatologists$491,688
  4. 4Anesthesiologists$467,224
  5. 5Surgeons, All Other$448,039

Strongest Opportunity Score

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  1. 1Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education97.9 / 100
  2. 2Web and Digital Interface Designers96.8 / 100
  3. 3Software Developers96.7 / 100
  4. 4Data Scientists96.1 / 100
  5. 5Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity96 / 100

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 is a Career Atlas USA calculation — see methodology.