.png){kind=logo}
.png)
One of the most common questions people ask when considering a tech career is “How much can I actually earn?” For career changers, especially those thinking about switching to tech from another industry, understanding real salary expectations can help you plan your training, lifestyle changes, and next steps confidently.
Washington state, and especially the greater Seattle area, is one of the strongest tech job markets in the U.S. With major tech companies headquartered here and many startups growing fast, pay tends to be higher than the national average across many tech roles. But pay ranges vary widely by job, experience, and company size.
Here’s a breakdown of what tech jobs really pay in Washington, based on current salary data.
What Tech Jobs Pay in Washington
Entry to Mid-Level Tech Roles
IT Support / Technical Support (Entry-Level Tech Role)
IT Support / IT Technician
These are common starting roles for career changers building skills in support, troubleshooting, and technical operations.
- IT Support Specialist around $28.91 per hour on average (~$60,000/year) with variation depending on employer and experience. Reference: Indeed
Data Analyst
These roles reward both technical skills (like SQL and Excel) and the ability to translate insights into meaningful stories for business teams, making them appealing for career changers with analytical interest.
- Data Analyst: HEALTHIERHERE, Seattle, WA
In postings like this, companies seek professionals who can interpret and analyze data to support decision-making. Job listings are active throughout the Seattle-Bellevue area. Average around $78,000–$80,000 per year in Washington. Reference: Indeed
These roles often make excellent stepping stones for career changers learning technical skills on the job or through training.
Specialized and Technical Roles
Cybersecurity Analyst
Cybersecurity is one of the fastest-growing areas of tech, and Washington pays above national averages.
- Average salary is about $160,000 per year in Washington. Reference: Indeed
Technical Specialist / Technical Engineer
These roles blend technical knowledge with hands-on technical work.
- Technical Engineers average around $90,000 annually in Washington. Reference: Indeed
These jobs reward technical skill development while still being accessible with training rather than long academic paths.
Software and Development Roles
Software Engineer / Developer
One of the most in-demand roles in Washington tech. Pay varies by experience and company, but stays competitive.
In Seattle and surrounding areas:
- Average base salary for software engineers can be around $113,000/year in Washington Reference: Indeed
Why Tech Salaries in Washington Tend to Be Higher
Washington’s tech wage strength comes from multiple factors:
- Headquarters and major offices of large tech companies
- High demand for cloud, AI, cybersecurity, and software talent
- A regional market that values technical expertise
What This Means for Career Changers
If you’re shifting from another industry into tech, these salary figures show both accessibility at entry levels and real growth potential as you build skills.
For example:
- Support and general IT roles often start in the $60K–$80K range, which can be competitive with many non-tech jobs and offer room to grow.
- Specialized fields like cybersecurity and development often start above six figures once you have a year or two of experience.
These are general ranges, not guarantees, but they reflect what many professionals in Washington are earning now.
How Skillspire Can Help You Get There
Training and skills matter when moving into tech. Skillspire offers hands-on programs that help you build the practical skills employers seek in fields such as:
- Data Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Full Stack Web Development
- Java & Cloud
- AI & Machine Learning
Our focus is on real tools and real projects to help you prepare for roles that pay well and offer satisfying careers.
Even if you come from a non-tech background, structured training coupled with career support can help you transition into roles where you can earn competitive salaries for Washington’s market. Skillspire is here to walk with you through your tech journey.
.png)
