ScienceOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Climate Scientist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$157,722/yr
Typical range: $143,979 – $173,842
P90 · 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 | $75,940 | $6,328 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $95,801 | $7,983 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $109,821 | $9,152 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $125,009 | $10,417 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $157,722 | $13,144 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $182,957 | $15,246 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $189,266 | $15,772 | +149% |
Current Salary
$157,722
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $76/hr
Next Level Target
$182,957
Principal · 14
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
64/100
Good
+22% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Climate Scientist salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Climate Scientists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $158K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Climate Scientist make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $158K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $76/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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 $144K–$174K/yr.