BusinessOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Chief Technology Officer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$490,983/yr
Typical range: $444,005 – $549,296
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Chief Technology Officer salary by experience level in Seattle
Chief Technology Officer 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 | $227,956 | $18,996 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $287,576 | $23,965 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $329,660 | $27,472 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $378,758 | $31,563 | +66% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $490,983 | $40,915 | +115% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $589,179 | $49,098 | +158% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $613,729 | $51,144 | +169% |
Current Salary
$490,983
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $236/hr
Next Level Target
$589,179
Principal · 14
+$98Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
58/100
Moderate
+18% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Chief Technology Officer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Chief Technology Officers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $491K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Chief Technology Officer make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $491K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $236/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Chief Technology Officer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Chief Technology Officer in Seattle, WA earns $444K–$549K/yr.