Salaries in Everett, WA

You might think a city of 111,000 people, wedged between Seattle and Boeing's massive Everett plant, would be a quiet bedroom community. You'd be wrong. What's surprising is how many high-earning software developers are choosing to live and work here, pulling down salaries that rival downtown Seattle tech pay, but without the brutal commute.

Here’s the purchasing power reality check: Everett’s cost of living sits at 113.0—13% above the national average. That $74,276 median household income sounds decent, but it stretches thin. A one-bedroom apartment will set you back $1,864 a month. When you adjust for that, the average salary here drops from $55,659 to just $49,256. It’s not a bargain, but it’s not San Francisco, either. You’re paying a premium, but you’re not getting gouged.

The city’s economic engine is still the aerospace and manufacturing giants, but tech is the rising tide. Boeing and its web of suppliers are the backbone, sure. But you’ll find a surprising number of software developers working remotely for Seattle companies while enjoying a slightly slower pace. The public sector is also a huge employer; Naval Station Everett and the school district are always hiring. Accountants and real estate agents do a brisk business supporting all this.

Here’s my honest take: wages are struggling to keep up. That 4.2% unemployment rate is tight, which should push pay up, but the COL-adjusted numbers tell a different story. It’s a solid place for a mid-career professional with a specialized skill—especially if you’re in tech or a skilled trade like electricians. For everyone else, it’s a hustle.

The data below breaks down who’s really winning financially in Everett and what you can expect to earn in the city’s top jobs.