MarketingOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead SEO Specialist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$148,930/yr
Typical range: $143,809 – $178,997
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
SEO Specialist salary by experience level in Seattle
SEO Specialist 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 | $73,337 | $6,111 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $92,517 | $7,710 | +26% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $106,056 | $8,838 | +45% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $120,047 | $10,004 | +64% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $148,930 | $12,411 | +103% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $174,203 | $14,517 | +138% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $180,522 | $15,044 | +146% |
Current Salary
$148,930
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $72/hr
Next Level Target
$174,203
Principal · 14
+$25Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
38/100
Below Average
+14% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead SEO Specialist salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead SEO Specialists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $149K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead SEO Specialist make per hour in Seattle, WA?
Based on $149K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $72/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior SEO Specialist in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior SEO Specialist in Seattle, WA earns $144K–$179K/yr.