GovernmentOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Policy Analyst Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$141,042/yr
Typical range: $134,496 – $151,887
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Policy Analyst salary by experience level in Seattle
Policy Analyst 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 | $91,677 | $7,640 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $103,431 | $8,619 | +13% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $112,834 | $9,403 | +23% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $122,236 | $10,186 | +33% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $141,042 | $11,754 | +54% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $157,967 | $13,164 | +72% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $162,198 | $13,517 | +77% |
Current Salary
$141,042
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $68/hr
Next Level Target
$157,967
Principal · 14
+$17Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
32/100
High Risk
+5% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Policy Analyst salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Policy Analysts in Seattle, WA earn approximately $141K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Policy Analyst make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $141K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $68/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Policy Analyst in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Policy Analyst in Seattle, WA earns $134K–$152K/yr.