EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level Systems Engineer Salary in Seattle

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$126,061/yr

Typical range: $122,589 $147,119

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Systems Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$126,061$10,505
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$153,074$12,756+21%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$171,083$14,257+36%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$193,774$16,148+54%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$248,520$20,710+97%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$291,741$24,312+131%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$302,546$25,212+140%
Current Salary
$126,061
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$153,074
Junior · 2
+$27Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level Systems Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?

Entry Level Systems Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $126K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level Systems Engineer make per hour in Seattle, WA?

Based on $126K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $61/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior Systems Engineer in Seattle, WA?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Systems Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $220K–$265K/yr.