Software Developer Career Guide: Everett, Washington

As a career analyst who's called the Pacific Northwest home for over a decade, I've watched Everett transform from a quiet industrial town into a genuine tech hub. If you're a software developer considering a move here, you're looking at a city with a unique blend of aerospace legacy and growing tech opportunity. This guide cuts through the noise with the hard data and local insights you need to make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. The software development market in Everett is strong, paying above the national average with a cost of living that remains manageable compared to Seattle. The median salary for a Software Developer in Everett is $132,223/year, translating to an hourly rate of $63.57/hour. This sits comfortably above the national average of $127,260/year.

Experience is the primary driver of compensation here. Unlike some markets where seniority premiums are modest, Everett's aerospace and manufacturing ties create a premium for specialized expertise.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Everett)	Key Employers Seeking This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$85,000 - $110,000	Local startups, small business IT departments, some contractor roles.
Mid-Level (3-6 yrs)	$115,000 - $155,000	Mid-sized tech firms, Boeing suppliers, healthcare tech, Port of Everett.
Senior (7-12 yrs)	$150,000 - $185,000	Major aerospace firms, established tech companies, specialized consultancies.
Expert (13+ yrs)	$180,000+ (often with bonus/equity)	Senior architects at Boeing, key roles at companies like T-Mobile's local office, or leadership at mid-market firms.

How does Everett compare to other WA cities?

• Seattle: Salaries are 10-20% higher on average, but cost of living (especially rent) is 30-40% higher. The trade-off is significant.
• Bellevue/Redmond: Home to Microsoft and many satellite offices, salaries rival or exceed Seattle, but the cost of living is among the highest in the state. Commute from Everett to Eastside is brutal (often 90+ minutes).
• Tacoma: A closer competitor. Salaries are often 5-10% lower than Everett, but the cost of living is slightly lower as well. Tacoma has a stronger arts scene, but Everett's aerospace anchor provides more stable, high-floor engineering jobs.
• Spokane: Significantly lower cost of living, but salaries are also 15-25% lower. The tech scene is smaller and more focused on local business solutions.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Everett tech roles, especially in aerospace, come with strong benefits packages, 401(k) matching, and annual bonuses that can add 10-20% to total compensation. Always ask about the full package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's ground that $132,223 median salary in reality. Everett's cost of living is 13% above the national average (index: 113.0), but it's a world away from Seattle's 50%+ premium.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Everett Software Developer ($132,223/year):

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$11,019
Estimated Taxes (25%)	-$2,755	Federal, WA state (no income tax!), FICA. WA has a 7% capital gains tax, but no income tax.
Take-Home Pay	$8,264
Rent (Avg. 1BR)	-$1,864	WA state average. See neighborhoods section for specifics.
Utilities	-$250	Includes electricity (PSE), water, garbage, internet.
Groceries	-$450
Transportation	-$350	Car insurance (WA is high), gas, or transit pass. Everett isn't super walkable.
Health Insurance	-$250	Varies wildly; this is a rough employer-sponsored estimate.
Miscellaneous	-$500	Entertainment, dining, personal care, etc.
Savings/Investments	$4,600	This is the key. A healthy ~42% savings rate is achievable on the median salary.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Everett is around $650,000. On a $132,223 salary, a 20% down payment ($130,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with the strong savings rate possible (see above), it's not an impossible goal within a few years.

A more common path is the "starter home" or townhouse in the $500k-$600k range. With a $132,223 income, a $500k home is attainable with a 10% down payment and a manageable mortgage payment (assuming current rates). Many local developers build condominiums specifically targeting professionals in the $400k-$600k range. The key is to save aggressively in your first few years—something Everett's relative affordability makes easier than in Seattle.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett's job market is anchored by a few massive players, with a growing ecosystem supporting them.

1. Boeing: The 800-pound gorilla. Everett is home to the largest building in the world by volume (the Everett Assembly). Software roles here are heavily focused on aerospace systems, embedded software, simulation & training, and digital twin technology. Hiring is often cyclical but massive in scale. Insider Tip: Look for roles with Boeing's "Fabrication Division" or "Boeing Research & Technology" for less traditional, more innovative software work.

2. Providence Regional Medical Center (Everett): One of the state's largest hospitals. They have a significant IT department and are always hiring for healthcare IT, data analysts, and software developers to manage electronic health records (EHR) systems, patient portals, and internal tools. Stability is high.

3. The Port of Everett: A major economic driver. They need software developers for port management systems, logistics, and maritime tech. It's a unique niche that values experience with large-scale, secure systems.

4. PACCAR (Kenworth & Peterbilt): While their HQ is in Bellevue, their primary manufacturing and R&D for truck technology is in the Everett area. They hire for vehicle software, telematics, and manufacturing automation. The work is directly tied to the physical product.

5. T-Mobile (Bothell/Redmond but a major regional employer): While not in Everett proper, T-Mobile's massive campus is a 20-30 minute commute. They are a top employer for cloud, mobile app development, and data engineering. Many Everett residents work here for the high salaries and tech culture.

6. Emerald Downs: The horse racing track and casino. Their IT team manages everything from gaming systems to hospitality software. A smaller shop, but with diverse needs.

7. EvergreenHealth: Another major healthcare provider with a significant Everett footprint, offering similar IT opportunities to Providence.

Hiring Trends: The market is shifting. Purely entry-level software jobs are competitive. The highest demand is for mid to senior-level developers with experience in cloud (AWS/Azure), cybersecurity (given the aerospace focus), and embedded systems. Contractors and consultants with specific skills (like DevOps or SRE) are also in high demand.

Getting Licensed in WA

Washington State does not require a state-specific software developer license. You can work as a software developer with any degree or equivalent experience. However, there are important certifications and legal considerations.

1. Professional Engineer (PE) License: This is only relevant if you are working on public safety-critical systems (e.g., certain aspects of aerospace, civil engineering software). For most app developers, this is unnecessary. If pursued, it requires a bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, 4 years of progressive experience, and passing the PE exam. Cost: ~$500 total for exams and fees. Timeline: 4+ years.
2. General Business License: If you plan to freelance or start a solo consultancy, you'll need a Washington Business License from the Secretary of State. Cost: ~$200 initially.
3. Background Checks: Many employers, especially Boeing and government contractors, require extensive background checks. Be prepared for this, especially if you have international travel history.
4. Data Privacy Certifications: While not a license, certifications like CISSP or CSA are highly valued in Everett's aerospace and healthcare sectors.

Timeline to Get Started: For U.S. citizens and permanent residents, you can start applying for jobs immediately. The hiring process can take 4-8 weeks from application to offer. If you need sponsorship, start the process 6-9 months in time, as it's a longer process.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Where you live in Everett drastically affects your quality of life and commute. The city is divided by I-5.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For
Northwest Everett / Airport	Quiet, residential, close to Boeing. 10-15 min to Boeing, 25-30 min to Seattle.	$1,700 - $2,000	Families, Boeing employees, those who want a house.
Downtown Everett	Urban, walkable, revitalizing. Close to restaurants, the port, and the Everett Station (Amtrak/Link Light Rail). 15 min to Boeing, 30-40 min to Seattle.	$1,800 - $2,200	Young professionals, renters, those who want a city feel without Seattle prices.
South Everett / Silver Lake	Suburban, family-friendly, near the Boeing campus. 5-10 min to Boeing, 25 min to Seattle.	$1,750 - $2,100	Families, Boeing employees, those seeking suburban comfort.
Mill Creek	Upscale suburb, highly planned, excellent schools. 15 min to Boeing, 30 min to Seattle.	$2,000 - $2,400	Families with children, those with a higher budget seeking top amenities.
Mukilteo / Harbor Pointe	Waterfront, scenic, slightly further north. 20 min to Boeing, 35-45 min to Seattle.	$2,000 - $2,600	Those who prioritize lifestyle and views over a quick commute; often a good fit for remote/hybrid workers.

Insider Tip: The Silver Lake area in South Everett is a hidden gem for Boeing engineers. It's incredibly close to the factory, has decent amenities, and offers more house for your money than Mill Creek.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Everett offers a solid long-term career trajectory, though it's different from the Silicon Valley path.

Specialty Premiums:

• Aerospace & Embedded Systems: +10-15% over general software roles. This is Everett's bread and butter.
• Cloud & DevOps: +5-10%. Growing in demand across all sectors here.
• Cybersecurity: +10-20%. Critical for defense contractors and aerospace. Highly sought after.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Track: Become a Principal Engineer or Architect at a major firm like Boeing. This path leads to the highest individual contributor salaries.
2. Management Track: Move into engineering management at a mid-sized tech company or healthcare IT. This is a common path for those who want to lead teams.
3. Consulting/Contracting: Specialize in a high-demand niche (e.g., FAA compliance software) and work as a consultant for multiple firms. This offers flexibility and high hourly rates ($100-150+/hr).
4. Entrepreneurship: Start a B2B software company targeting local industries (e.g., logistics software for the Port, maintenance software for manufacturing). The market is less saturated than in Seattle.

10-Year Outlook:
The 17% 10-year job growth forecast for the metro area is strong, likely driven by:

• Continued aerospace investment (Boeing's new engineering centers).
• Healthcare tech expansion as Providence and EvergreenHealth modernize.
• Growth in green tech and maritime tech at the Port of Everett.
• Spillover from Seattle's tech market as companies seek more affordable operational costs.

The risk is over-reliance on Boeing. If aerospace contracts dip, the local market feels it. However, the diversification into healthcare and port logistics is a positive buffer.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable salary ($132,223 median) with good long-term growth.	Limited tech scene compared to Seattle/Bellevue. Fewer meetups, conferences.
Significantly lower cost of living than Seattle or Eastside.	Commute to Seattle is painful (45-90 mins). Not a great "commuter town."
Major, stable employers (Boeing, Healthcare). Good for long-term careers.	Job market can be less dynamic. Fewer startups and cutting-edge roles.
Unique industry niches (aerospace, maritime) offer specialized, high-demand skills.	Less "tech culture." Fewer free snacks, ping-pong tables, startup vibes.
Access to nature (Puget Sound, mountains) without the urban density.	Nightlife and dining are improving but still modest compared to Seattle.

Final Recommendation:
Everett is an excellent choice for mid-level to senior software developers who value stability, affordability, and a direct impact on large-scale, physical products (planes, trucks, ships). It's ideal for those in, or aiming for, aerospace, healthcare IT, or logistics tech.

It is not the best fit for:

• Early-career developers seeking a vibrant, startup-heavy scene.
• Those who want to work for FAANG companies (you'll commute to Seattle or Bellevue).
• Anyone who thrives on urban density and constant social options.

If you have 3-5 years of experience and want to build a strong financial foundation while working on challenging engineering problems, Everett offers a compelling, balanced value proposition.

FAQs

1. Can I work remotely for a Seattle company and live in Everett?
Yes, and it's a popular strategy. You get Seattle-level salaries with Everett's cost of living. The main challenge is the occasional need to go into the office. The 17% job growth includes remote roles, but be clear about hybrid expectations.

2. How competitive is the job market for newcomers?
For entry-level roles, very competitive. For mid-level and senior roles, especially with aerospace or cloud experience, it's a candidate-friendly market. Tailor your resume to highlight relevant skills (e.g., "C++ for embedded systems," "AWS for scalable apps").

3. Is public transit a viable option?
Public transit is adequate but not exceptional. Community Transit (buses) and Sound Transit Express buses connect Everett to Seattle/Bellevue. The Link Light Rail extension to Lynnwood (opening 2024) will improve access. However, a car is still highly recommended for daily life and commuting within Everett.

4. What's the biggest shock for developers moving from other regions?
The constant gray skies from November to March can be a mental adjustment. Also, the tech community is smaller and more reserved. You'll need to be proactive to build a professional network. The payoff is a dramatic improvement in work-life balance and access to the outdoors.

5. Should I get a certification like AWS Solutions Architect or CISSP?
Absolutely, if you're targeting aerospace or defense. Boeing and their suppliers are heavy on AWS GovCloud and have strict security requirements. A CISSP can make your resume stand out significantly. For general software roles, it's less critical but still a good career move.