ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Climate Scientist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$132,858/yr
Typical range: $114,688 – $174,181
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Climate Scientist salary by experience level in Seattle
Climate Scientist 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 | $91,870 | $7,656 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $115,897 | $9,658 | +26% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $132,858 | $11,072 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $151,232 | $12,603 | +65% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $190,806 | $15,901 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $221,335 | $18,445 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $228,968 | $19,081 | +149% |
Current Salary
$132,858
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $64/hr
Next Level Target
$151,232
Senior · 6
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Climate Scientist salary in Seattle, WA?
3–5 Years Experience Climate Scientists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $133K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Climate Scientist make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $133K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $64/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Climate Scientist in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Climate Scientist in Seattle, WA earns $174K–$210K/yr.