Data Analyst Career Guide: Everett, WA

By a Local Career Analyst

If you're a data analyst considering a move to the Pacific Northwest, Everett offers a compelling, if sometimes overlooked, alternative to the high-cost frenzy of Seattle. As someone who’s watched this city evolve from a Boeing-heavy town into a more diversified tech and healthcare hub, I can tell you that Everett rewards those who do their homework. It’s not the flashiest market, but for a data professional, it’s a place where your skills are genuinely needed, and your paycheck stretches further than in the Emerald City’s core. This guide is built on local market realities, not generic promises. Let’s get into the numbers and the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let’s cut through the noise. The data for Data Analysts in the Everett metro area (which includes Snohomish County) shows a solid, middle-of-the-pack market when compared to Washington State as a whole. The median salary for a Data Analyst in Everett is $86,611/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.64/hour. This sits just above the national average of $83,360/year, making Everett a financially sensible choice for those leaving more expensive coastal markets or seeking a balance between urban access and suburban calm.

The real story for job seekers is in the experience breakdown. Salaries here climb steadily with proven skill, but the premium for seniority isn't as steep as in Seattle's pure-play tech giants. The 10-year job growth projection is a robust 36%, and with 222 current job openings in the metro area (a healthy number for its size), the demand is tangible.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Everett, WA)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Focus on SQL, Excel, basic visualization (Tableau/Power BI). Often supporting a team. Many roles are in manufacturing, healthcare, or local government.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$80,000 - $95,000	Core of the market. You’ll own dashboards, perform deeper analysis, and likely have some stake in data pipeline tools. The median $86,611 sits squarely here.
Senior-Level (5-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	Leading projects, mentoring juniors, and working with more complex data models (SQL, Python/R). Often in strategic roles at larger employers like Providence or FLIR.
Expert/Manager (8+ yrs)	$110,000 - $130,000+	Managing a team of analysts, setting analytics strategy, and interfacing with C-suite. Highest salaries are typically at regional HQs or specialized tech firms.

How Everett Compares to Other WA Cities:

• Seattle: Median salary is ~$102,000, but median 1BR rent is ~$2,400/month. The premium is real, but so is the cost.
• Spokane: Median salary is ~$78,000, with much lower rent. A more conservative, stable market.
• Tacoma: Median salary is ~$84,000, very close to Everett, with a similar cost-of-living profile.
• Bellevue: Median salary can exceed $115,000, but you're competing directly with Seattle's top-tier talent and paying Bellevue prices.

Insider Tip: The gap between Everett and Seattle salaries is narrowing, especially in hybrid roles. A $86k salary in Everett feels more like $100k in Seattle once you factor in housing and commute costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $86,611/year translates to a monthly gross of about $7,217. After Washington’s progressive state tax (which has brackets up to 7%) and federal taxes, your take-home pay will likely be in the $5,400 to $5,600/month range, depending on your deductions and filing status.

The critical local variable is housing. The average 1BR rent in Everett is $1,864/month. The Cost of Living Index is 113.0 (US avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to gas is about 13% more expensive than the national average—but still far below Seattle’s index of 150+.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Data Analyst, Median Salary):

• Gross Monthly: $7,217
• Estimated Take-Home (after taxes): $5,500
• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,864
• Utilities, Internet, Phone: -$300
• Groceries & Household: -$500
• Transportation (car payment, gas, insurance): -$500
• Health Insurance (employer-subsidized): -$200
• Remaining (Savings, Dining, Entertainment): ~$2,136

This is a healthy buffer for savings and lifestyle. The rule of thumb is to keep housing under 30% of take-home pay; here, rent is about 34%, which is manageable but tight on a single income. This is why many analysts here are in dual-income households or live with roommates to aggressively save.

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Everett is approximately $650,000. With a 20% down payment ($130,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of around $3,500, including taxes and insurance. That’s over 60% of the take-home pay for a single median earner—not feasible. For buyers, homeownership typically requires a dual income (combined $150k+), a significant down payment, or looking at condos/townhomes in the $400k-$500k range.

Insider Tip: Many data professionals in Everett rent for 2-3 years, save aggressively, and then buy in more affordable communities like Marysville or Granite Falls, accepting a longer commute. It’s a classic PNW trade-off.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett’s job market is anchored in a mix of legacy aerospace, growing healthcare, and specialized tech. You won’t find the volume of pure-play tech startups you see in Seattle, but you will find stable, well-paying roles with established organizations.

1. Providence Regional Medical Center (Colby Campus & Mill Creek): The largest employer in the area. They have a massive need for analysts in operations, finance, and clinical outcomes. Hiring is steady, with a focus on SQL, Tableau, and healthcare data (HIPAA compliance is key). They use Epic for their EHR, so experience there is a huge plus.
2. Boeing (Everett Plant): The heart of the city. Boeing’s data needs are vast—from supply chain logistics to aircraft performance analytics. They use tools like SAS, Python, and proprietary software. Hiring often cycles with production schedules, but current trends show a steady demand for analysts to support the 777X and defense programs. Insider Tip: Getting a security clearance (if applying for defense roles) can be a long process, but it’s a major career accelerator.
3. FLIR Systems (Teledyne FLIR): A major player in thermal imaging and sensing technology, with a significant site in Everett. They need analysts for R&D, manufacturing quality, and sales data. This is a great spot for those with an interest in hardware-tech crossover. Proficiency in Python and data visualization is critical here.
4. City of Everett & Snohomish County Government: Local government is a stable employer for data analysts. Roles focus on public safety analytics, urban planning, budget forecasting, and open data initiatives. The pace is slower, but the benefits are excellent (pension, great healthcare). They often use GIS tools alongside standard BI suites.
5. PACCAR (Kenworth Truck Plant): Another manufacturing giant. PACCAR’s supply chain and operational data are complex. Analysts here work on dealer network performance, production efficiency, and logistics. It’s a less flashy but very solid career path.
6. Premera Blue Cross (Major Site in nearby Mountlake Terrace): While not in Everett proper, it’s a 15-minute commute and a top employer for health data analysts. They are heavily invested in data governance and predictive modeling for healthcare costs.
7. Startups & Small Tech: The "Mill Creek Tech Corridor" and downtown Everett have a small but growing scene of B2B software and services companies. Look for roles at places like Astronics or local SaaS firms. These are often posted on Built In Seattle or LinkedIn.

Hiring Trends: There’s a clear shift toward hybrid (2-3 days in-office) roles, especially at larger employers like Providence and Boeing. Fully remote is less common than in Seattle, but it's growing. The demand is strongest for analysts who can bridge the gap between data and business operations—people who can explain the why behind the numbers.

Getting Licensed in WA

For Data Analysts, Washington State has no mandatory professional license. This is a huge advantage, keeping barriers to entry low. However, there are important certifications and processes to consider, especially for certain industries.

• State-Specific Requirements: None for general data analysis. However, if you work in healthcare (Providence) or finance, you will need to comply with strict data privacy laws (HIPAA, GLBA). This is learned on the job, not through a state exam.
• Key Certifications (Recommended, Not Required):
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist/Certified Associate: Highly valued by employers like Boeing and the City of Everett.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Common in corporate settings.
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: A good entry-level credential.
  • AWS Certified Data Analytics – Specialty: For roles involving cloud data warehousing, which is becoming more prevalent.
• Cost: Certification exams range from $100 to $300. Study materials can add another $200-$500.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can apply for jobs without any certification. Many employers provide training. A realistic timeline for a career switcher is 3-6 months of self-study (using platforms like Coursera or DataCamp) to build a portfolio and be competitive for entry-level roles.

Insider Tip: For government roles (City of Everett, County), you will need to pass a civil service exam for many positions. It’s a straightforward test on basic data interpretation and logic, but you must sign up for it on their website.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Where you live in Everett dramatically impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a breakdown of top areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown Everett	Urban, walkable, artsy. 10-15 min drive to Providence, 20-25 to Boeing. Light rail coming in 2026.	$1,700 - $2,100	Young professionals who want restaurants, the Schack Art Center, and baseball at Funko Field. No car needed for some.
Northwest Everett / Port Gardner	Quiet, residential, close to the water. 15-20 min drive to most employers. More single-family homes.	$1,600 - $1,900	Those who want a quieter home base, easy access to hiking at Forest Park, and don’t mind a short drive.
Mill Creek	Suburban, family-friendly, planned community. 15-20 min to Boeing, 20 to Providence. Excellent schools.	$2,000 - $2,400	Analysts with families or those who prioritize top-rated schools and a manicured suburban lifestyle.
Cascade / Lake Stevens	More rural, lake-focused. 25-35 min commute to Everett core, but more space for the money. Growing fast.	$1,700 - $2,200	Remote/hybrid workers who want a backyard, lake access, and don’t mind a longer, scenic commute a few days a week.
WSU Everett Area	Academic, emerging, and quiet. 10 min to downtown, 15 to Boeing. New apartments are popping up.	$1,650 - $1,950	Recent grads or those who enjoy a campus-adjacent vibe with easy access to both downtown and the freeway.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-5 and I-405 is a real factor. A "15-minute" commute can become 40 minutes during peak hours. If you work at Boeing, living north of Everett (like in Marysville) can cut your commute against the grain. For Providence, being in the Mill Creek or Bothell area is ideal.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Data Analyst in Everett has a clear, if linear, progression. The path isn’t about hopping to a new company every year for a 30% raise (as it might be in Seattle). It’s about deepening domain expertise within Everett’s core industries.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Healthcare Data (Epic/SQL): +10-15% premium. Providence and Premera are always hungry for this.
  • Manufacturing/Supply Chain (SAP, Python): +5-10%. Boeing and PACCAR pay well for this niche.
  • GIS & Public Policy: A smaller, specialized field with government employers. Salaries are stable but not exceptionally high.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Data Analyst → Senior Analyst: Focus on mastering a tool (Tableau/Power BI) and a domain (healthcare ops, aerospace supply chain). Timeline: 3-5 years.
  2. Senior Analyst → Data Engineer/Analytics Manager: Requires learning data pipeline tools (dbt, Airflow) for engineers or people management for managers. Many local companies have a ceiling here; you may need to move to Seattle for these roles.
  3. Analytics Manager → Director of Analytics: Possible within large organizations like Providence or Boeing, but few and far between. Often requires an MBA or advanced stats degree.
• 10-Year Outlook (36% Growth): This growth is optimistic but plausible. It’s driven by:
  • Aging Population: More healthcare data needs at Providence.
  • Advanced Manufacturing: Boeing’s push for digital twins and predictive maintenance.
  • Local Government Modernization: Snohomish County’s move to data-driven decision-making.

Insider Tip: The most successful long-term analysts in Everett are "T-shaped"—deep in one industry (e.g., healthcare) but broad in technical skills. They become the go-to person for a specific type of analysis, making them indispensable.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living relative to Seattle/Bellevue.	Limited "Cool" Tech Scene: Few startups, less networking opportunity than Seattle.
Stable Employment from legacy industries (Boeing, Healthcare).	Traffic & Commute: I-5 and I-405 congestion can be brutal.
Hybrid Work is Common: Good work-life balance.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in Seattle.
Access to PNW Outdoors: Easy access to mountains, water, and forests.	Less Cultural Diversity compared to Seattle proper.
Manageable Size: Easy to get around, feels like a community.	Job Market Depth: Fewer total roles means fewer negotiation levers.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is an excellent choice for a data analyst who values stability over hype. It’s perfect for:

• Early to Mid-Career Professionals looking to build a strong resume with reputable employers without the crushing cost of Seattle.
• Analysts Interested in Physical Industries (aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing) where data has a direct, tangible impact.
• Those Seeking Work-Life Balance who want a shorter commute, access to nature, and a less frantic pace.

It’s not the right fit if:

• Your primary goal is to work at a fast-growth tech unicorn.
• You need the buzz of a major tech hub for networking.
• You’re targeting top-tier data science or AI research roles, which are overwhelmingly concentrated in Seattle and Bellevue.

For the right person, Everett isn’t a compromise—it’s a strategic choice for a sustainable, well-compensated career in data.

FAQs

Q: Is the job market for Data Analysts in Everett truly growing?
A: Yes, the 36% projected growth is strong, but it’s more gradual than explosive. The 222 current openings indicate active demand, primarily from healthcare and manufacturing sectors. Growth is tied to the health of these core industries, not volatile tech trends.

Q: Do I need to know how to code (Python/R) to get a job here?
A: For entry and mid-level roles? Not always. Strong SQL and visualization skills (Tableau/Power BI) can land you a job, especially in healthcare or government. However, for senior roles or at tech-oriented employers like FLIR, Python is increasingly expected. It’s a strong differentiator, not a universal requirement.

Q: What’s the commute like from Seattle to Everett?
A: It’s a reverse commute (south to north), which is better than the opposite, but still congested. A non-rush hour drive is 30 minutes. During peak traffic (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM), expect 60-