ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Biologist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$177,026/yr
Typical range: $161,601 – $195,119
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Biologist salary by experience level in Seattle
Biologist Salary Progression in Seattle
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $85,235 | $7,103 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $107,527 | $8,961 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $123,262 | $10,272 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $140,309 | $11,692 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $177,026 | $14,752 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $205,350 | $17,113 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $212,431 | $17,703 | +149% |
Current Salary
$177,026
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $85/hr
Next Level Target
$205,350
Principal · 14
+$28Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Biologist salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Biologists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $177K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Biologist make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $177K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $85/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Biologist in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Biologist in Seattle, WA earns $162K–$195K/yr.