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.
$191,344/yr
Typical range: $174,671 – $210,900
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 | $92,128 | $7,677 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $116,224 | $9,685 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $133,232 | $11,103 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $151,658 | $12,638 | +65% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $191,344 | $15,945 | +108% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $221,959 | $18,497 | +141% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $229,612 | $19,134 | +149% |
Current Salary
$191,344
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $92/hr
Next Level Target
$221,959
Principal · 14
+$31Kpotential 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 $191K 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 $191K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $92/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 $175K–$211K/yr.