Human ResourcesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Recruiter Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$164,332/yr
Typical range: $146,619 – $179,195
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Recruiter salary by experience level in Seattle
Recruiter 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 | $79,818 | $6,652 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $98,599 | $8,217 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $111,120 | $9,260 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $126,770 | $10,564 | +59% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $164,332 | $13,694 | +106% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $200,016 | $16,668 | +151% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $208,936 | $17,411 | +162% |
Current Salary
$164,332
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $79/hr
Next Level Target
$200,016
Principal · 14
+$36Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
39/100
Below Average
+10% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Recruiter salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Recruiters in Seattle, WA earn approximately $164K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Recruiter make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $164K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $79/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Recruiter in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Recruiter in Seattle, WA earns $147K–$179K/yr.