Project Manager in Everett, WA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Everett, WA, written from the perspective of a local career analyst.

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The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let's cut right to the numbers. As a Project Manager (PM) in Everett, you're operating in a strong market, but one that’s highly sensitive to its major industries. The median salary for a Project Manager here is $105,229/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.59. This is a solid figure, sitting about 4% above the national average of $101,280/year. However, that slight premium comes with a higher cost of living, which we'll dissect later.

The job market itself is tight. There are approximately 222 Project Manager positions listed across the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 6%. This isn't explosive growth like you might see in tech hubs, but it indicates a stable, consistent demand. The bulk of these opportunities are tied to the aerospace, construction, and healthcare sectors, creating a specialized but rewarding career path for those with the right experience.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Everett aren't one-size-fits-all. Your compensation will vary significantly based on your track record and the complexity of projects you can handle. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$75,000 - $90,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$95,000 - $120,000
Senior	8-15 years	$120,000 - $150,000
Expert/Principal	15+ years	$150,000+

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Everett's salary is competitive, but context is key. It’s significantly higher than the national average but trails behind the tech-saturated Puget Sound corridor. While you won't command a Seattle-level salary without working there, your dollar goes further here.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (vs. US Avg)
Everett	$105,229	113.0
Seattle	$125,000+	152.5
Bellevue	$130,000+	176.0
Tacoma	$98,500	108.1
National Average	$101,280	100.0

Insider Tip: Don't just chase the highest salary number. A PM in Bellevue earning $130k might have a longer, more expensive commute and face housing costs that completely offset the pay bump. Everett offers a balance of strong wages and relative affordability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $105,229 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let's run the numbers for a single Project Manager. After federal, state (WA has no income tax, which is a major plus), and FICA taxes, your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $6,300.

Now, let's factor in Everett's average 1-bedroom rent of $1,864/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single PM, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,300	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	-$1,864	Average for the area
Utilities	-$200	Power, water, internet, gas
Groceries	-$450	For one person
Transportation	-$350	Gas, insurance, occasional transit
Health Insurance	-$250	Employer-subsidized
Discretionary/Savings	$3,186	Remaining for savings, debt, fun

This budget leaves a very healthy surplus. This is where the "Everett Advantage" becomes clear. You have substantial room for savings, investments, or paying down student loans faster than in more expensive metros.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

This is the critical question. As of early 2024, the median home price in Everett is approximately $600,000. For a 20% down payment, you'd need $120,000. With a median salary, a single PM would qualify for a mortgage, but it would be tight.

A $480,000 mortgage (after a $120k down payment) at current interest rates (~7%) would result in a monthly payment of around $3,200, including taxes and insurance. That's over 50% of your take-home pay, which is not financially advisable.

The Verdict on Homeownership: A single PM at the median salary can technically afford a home, but it would be a severe financial strain. It's much more feasible with a dual-income household or after several years of salary growth and saving for a larger down payment.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett's economy is dominated by a few key players. Your job search should be laser-focused on them and their extensive supply chains.

1. Boeing Everett: The undisputed giant. Home to the 777, 767, and 787 assembly lines, this is the heart of the local economy. PM roles here are in manufacturing, supply chain, engineering projects, and facility upgrades. Hiring is cyclical but constant. Insider Tip: Many Boeing PM roles are filled through staffing agencies like Aerotek or Kelly Services first. It's a common foot-in-the-door.

2. Providence Regional Medical Center (Colby Campus & Mill Creek): A major healthcare provider and a huge source of non-aviation PM jobs. They need PMs for IT implementations (like Epic EMR), new wing construction, process improvement initiatives, and community health programs. The hospital sector is one of the most stable employers in the region.

3. Port of Everett: This isn't just a port; it's a major economic driver with ongoing construction, redevelopment, and maritime logistics projects. They hire PMs for capital projects, waterfront development, and commercial real estate leasing. The work is tangible and often high-visibility.

4. City of Everett & Snohomish County: Government projects are a steady source of work. PMs are needed for public works (road repairs, sewer upgrades), IT system modernizations, and community development projects. These roles offer excellent benefits and job security, though salaries can be slightly lower than the private sector.

5. PACCAR (in nearby Renton): While not in Everett proper, this heavy-duty truck manufacturer is a 30-minute commute and a major employer in the region. They have a constant need for PMs in R&D, manufacturing process improvement, and new facility development.

6. AeroTEC (at Paine Field): An aerospace testing, certification, and manufacturing services company. As Paine Field grows, so does AeroTEC. They represent the "new aerospace" in the area—smaller, agile, and focused on innovation. A great place for PMs who want to work outside the Boeing behemoth.

Getting Licensed in WA

Unlike some states, Washington does not require a specific state license to work as a Project Manager. However, professional certifications are the de facto standard and can be the difference between getting an interview and getting passed over.

Key Certifications and Requirements

• Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this is the gold standard. Most senior-level roles in Everett (especially at Boeing and Providence) list the PMP as "required" or "highly preferred."
  • Cost: ~$555 for non-PMI members, ~$405 for members (plus membership fee).
  • Timeline: 3-6 months of study and application processing.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): A great entry-level certification from PMI for those with less experience.
  • Cost: ~$303 for non-members, ~$224 for members.
  • Timeline: 1-3 months of study.
• WA State Contractor's License: If you plan to work as an independent project manager for construction-related projects over $2,000, you must have a state contractor's license. This is a different track entirely, managed by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries. It requires exams, bonding, and insurance.

Getting Started: Your first step is to join your local PMI chapter (PMI Washington State Chapter) and start networking. Attending their monthly meetings in Seattle or online is an invaluable way to find mentors and job leads.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Choosing where to live in Everett depends on your lifestyle and commute tolerance. Here’s a breakdown of four key areas.

1. Downtown Everett: The urban core. You're walking distance to the waterfront, restaurants, and the Xfinity Arena. It's ideal for PMs who want a vibrant, social scene without a commute.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,100/month
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to Boeing, 10 minutes to Providence.

2. North Everett (Rucker Hill / Glenhaven): A quieter, more residential feel with great views of the port and mountains. Mostly single-family homes and older apartment buildings. Perfect for PMs who want a community feel and a shorter commute to Boeing.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,800/month
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to Boeing, 15 minutes to downtown.

3. Silver Lake / Eastmont: Located in southeast Everett, this area is popular with professionals and families. It offers more modern apartment complexes, newer homes, and easy access to I-5 and I-405 for commutes to other cities. Great for PMs who work from home or for a hybrid schedule.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $1,900 - $2,200/month
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to Boeing, 20 minutes to Providence Mill Creek.

4. Mill Creek: Technically a separate city but part of the metro area. It's a master-planned community with a walkable "town center," excellent schools, and lots of parks. It's a top choice for PMs with families or those who prioritize a polished, suburban lifestyle. It's also closer to Bellevue/Redmond job centers.

   • 1BR Rent Estimate: $2,000 - $2,400/month
   • Commute: 25 minutes to Boeing, 5-10 minutes to Providence Mill Creek.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth figure tells a story of stability, not rapid expansion. To advance your career and your salary in Everett, you need to specialize.

• Specialty Premiums: Generalist PMs earn the median. Specialists earn a premium.

  • Agile/Scrum Master Certification: With the growth of software and tech-adjacent roles at Boeing and in healthcare, an Agile certification can add a 10-15% premium to your salary.
  • Construction/Engineering PM: With the Port of Everett's ongoing projects and local commercial development, PMPs with a PE (Professional Engineer) license or LEED certification are in high demand and can command salaries well above the median.
  • Aerospace Manufacturing PM: Deep experience with FAA regulations, supply chain logistics, and lean manufacturing principles (Six Sigma) is a golden ticket at Boeing and its suppliers.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator to Project Manager, then to Senior PM, Program Manager (managing multiple related projects), and finally to Director of Project Management or Operations. The key to moving up is demonstrating ROI—saving money, delivering ahead of schedule, and managing large, complex budgets.

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is positive but tied to aerospace. As long as Boeing's Everett site remains a global hub for wide-body aircraft, PM jobs will be plentiful. The diversification into healthcare, maritime, and small-scale tech (centered around Paine Field) provides a growing buffer. The market won't boom, but it's unlikely to bust.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Above-average salary compared to national figures.	Lower salary ceiling than Seattle/Bellevue.
No state income tax boosts take-home pay.	High cost of living (13% above US average).
Stable, specialized job market (aerospace, healthcare).	Housing affordability is a challenge for single buyers.
Strategic location between Seattle and mountains.	Traffic on I-5 can be a major headache.
Relative affordability vs. King County.	"Company town" feel—economy is heavily Boeing-dependent.
Outdoor access (water, mountains, forests).	Limited nightlife compared to Seattle.

Final Recommendation:

Everett is an excellent choice for Project Managers who value stability, work-life balance, and outdoor access over chasing the absolute highest salary. It's ideal for mid-career professionals (3-10 years of experience) who can command a salary near or above the median. It's a fantastic spot for those who work in aerospace, healthcare, or construction and want to build deep expertise in a specialized market.

If you're an early-career PM looking for the widest variety of industries and rapid job-hopping opportunities, Seattle might be a better launchpad. If you're a senior PM looking to maximize salary above all else, Bellevue might be the target. But for a balanced, high-quality career in a growing, scenic, and professionally rewarding environment, Everett is a compelling and practical choice.

FAQs

1. I'm a Project Manager in a different industry. Can I transition to aerospace in Everett?
Yes, but it's a steep learning curve. Your core PM skills are transferable, but you'll need to learn aerospace-specific terminology, processes, and regulatory environments (like FAA). Start by targeting PM roles in aerospace supply chain or support functions, which value generalist PM experience more. Networking with current Boeing PMs through LinkedIn or PMI events is critical.

2. How important is a security clearance for jobs in Everett?
For roles directly with Boeing on defense programs (like the KC-46 tanker) or with government contractors at Paine Field, a security clearance (or the ability to get one) is often required. It's a major asset. Commercial aviation roles (like the 787) typically do not require it. Be sure to read job descriptions carefully.

3. What's the commute like from Everett to Seattle?
Don't do it. The I-5 commute is notoriously congested and can take 60-90 minutes each way during peak times. While some companies offer "hybrid" Seattle-Everett schedules, a daily commute is a major quality-of-life drain. Most PMs who work in Everett live in Snohomish County.

4. Are there good networking opportunities for PMs in Everett?
Yes, but they're more focused than in a major city. The PMI Washington State Chapter has events in the area. The best networking happens through industry-specific events (e.g., aerospace supply chain conferences) and, informally, through the tight-knit professional community. The "coffee is on" culture is real here—use it.

5. Is the job market for PMs actually stable with Boeing's ups and downs?
It's as stable as Boeing, which is historically cyclical. However, Everett's economy has diversified significantly. Providence Regional's growth provides a strong counterbalance, and the Port of Everett's redevelopment is creating a new economic pillar. While a major Boeing downturn would hurt, the market is less fragile than it was 20 years ago. A well-rounded PM with skills in demand across multiple industries (e.g., Agile, construction) is best positioned to weather any storm.

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Sources: Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics; job growth projections from the Washington State Employment Security Department; cost of living and rent data from BestPlaces.net and local market analyses; population data from the U.S. Census Bureau.