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Military Enlisted Salary in Seattle, WA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Seattle's cost of living (index: 156). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Seattle β€” Key Numbers

$63,960
Median Salary
$46,020
25th Percentile
$88,608
75th Percentile
$115,440
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median+56.0%
Seattle median household income$102,900
vs. City household income-37.8%

Cost of Living in Seattle

Cost of Living Index
156(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,800/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio33.8%
Annual rent cost$21,600
Median Home Price$780,000
Home Price / Salary12.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$156,000
Years to save (20% rate)12.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Seattle

3.4%
Unemployment Rate
4,100,000
Metro Population
30 min
Avg Commute
36.5
Median Age

Seattle has a metro population of 4,100,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.4% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Military Enlisted Salary β€” Other Washington Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Seattle, WA?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Seattle is $63,960 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Seattle's cost of living index (156). The typical salary range runs from $46,020 (25th percentile) to $88,608 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $115,440.

Is Seattle affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $63,960 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Seattle would spend approximately 33.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,800/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $780,000 is 12.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Seattle's overall income?

Seattle's median household income is $102,900. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $63,960 earns 37.8% less than the typical Seattle household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Seattle has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.