Bellingham Average Annual Income and Pay
Bellingham median household income is around $65,000 per year, while the city average individual earnings are roughly $40,000 to $45,000, based on recent U.S. Census Bureau estimates U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. These figures place Bellingham above the national median household income but below major tech hubs like Seattle and San Francisco.
Bellingham per capita income is approximately $30,000 to $33,000 annually, reflecting a mix of service, education, healthcare, and manufacturing jobs Bureau of Labor Statistics Washington data. The cost of living in Bellingham is moderate compared to coastal Washington cities, which affects real take-home pay.
Top Employers and Salary Ranges in Bellingham
Major Bellingham employers include Washington State University, PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, and the Bellingham School District, which offer stable annual salaries for professionals and educators Forbes Best Employers data. Tech and clean energy firms in the Bellingham area also contribute to the local salary landscape with roles in engineering and operations.
Bellingham software and engineering roles typically pay between $80,000 and $120,000 per year, while healthcare and education positions range from $50,000 to $90,000 depending on experience and specialization LinkedIn Bellingham job market trends. The city's proximity to major employers like Tesla and SpaceX does not directly translate to high local salaries, but related logistics and supply chain roles exist in the region.
Bellingham Income Rankings and Economic Context
Bellingham ranks in the upper half of Washington cities by median household income, ahead of many smaller rural communities but behind Bellevue and Redmond Forbes Washington highest paying cities. The city's income growth has been steady, supported by university expansion and healthcare investment over the past decade.
Bellingham household earnings are influenced by Washington state income tax structure, which has no personal income tax, affecting net annual pay for residents Washington State Department of Revenue. The city's economic outlook remains tied to education, healthcare, and light manufacturing sectors, with income levels expected to grow modestly as regional demand for skilled workers increases.