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PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC
& TECHNICAL SERVICES

AT A GLANCE

The professional, scientific, and technical services industry encompasses many different kinds of occupations that generally require a high level of training and expertise. Many of these roles are in legal, finance, computer systems, data analytics, marketing, or research. Workers in this field utilize their specialized knowledge within an organization or as part of a consulting service.

PST Services Overview

OPPORTUNITY IN PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SERVICES

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NOW

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13,380

businesses in Seattle-King County

146,022

jobs in Seattle-King County

$118,822

average annual earnings

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2028

Plus
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21%

increase in professional, scientific & technical services job demand

64%

Security Analyst

plus
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plus

38%

Computer & Information Research Scientist

plus

30%

Financial Manager

plus

20%

Mechanical Engineer

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PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL SERVICES PROPERTIES

WORK AREAS

Legal

Research & testing lab

Architectural

Consulting

Advertising

Financial management

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Time management

Analytical
thinking

Problem solving & strategic planning

Communication

Leadership

Flexibility

POPULATION BASICS

PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL WORKERS BY AGE

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2018

19-24 (5%)

25-34 (28%)

35-44 (27%)

45-54 (21%)

55-64 (13%)

65+ (5%)

14-18 (<1%)

PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC & TECHNICAL WORKERS BY EDUCATION

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Less than HS (6%)

HS or equivalent (16%)

Some college or Associate's (26%)

Bachelor's or Advanced (52%)

2017

CAREER MAP

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This map includes some of the most in-demand professional, scientific, and technical services jobs in Seattle-King County, including computer system design and law, but the industry has many other opportunities—from translation services to life sciences research. These occupations rely heavily on post-secondary education and years of experience to establish expertise in a given subject matter.

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Construction

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TRANSFER SKILLS BETWEEN

- Help Desk

- Receptionist

- Office & Information Clerk

- Janitor

​

$18 - $36

Clinical Laboratory Tech

$17 - $34

LESS THAN ASSOCIATE'S OR SOME EXPERIENCE

ASSOCIATE'S OR BACHELOR'S OR MODERATE EXPERIENCE

ADVANCED DEGREE OR SIGNIFICANT EXPERIENCE

START

ENTRY-LEVEL
(MAY REQUIRE CERTIFICATION)

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Public Sector

ACCOUNTING, TAX PREP, BOOKKEEPING
& PAYROLL

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Healthcare

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Information Technology

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Trade

COMPUTER SYSTEMS
DESIGN

SCIENTIFIC, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

LEGAL
SERVICES

ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES

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Research Assistant

$16 - $25

Statistician

$31 - $56

Research Scientist

$36 - $53

Legal Secretary

$20 - $33

Paralegal & Legal Assistant

$21 - $37

Lawyer

$37 - $84

Architectural & Civil Drafter

$19 - $35

Construction & Building Inspector

$30 - $43

Civil Engineer

$31 - $50

Mechanical Engineer

$30 - $57

Architect

$25 - $43

Principal Architect

$67 - $83

Web Developer/ Designer

$28 - $55

Computer User Support Specialist

$18 - $33

Analyst (BI, Computer Systems)

$34 - $56

Security Analyst 

$33 - $58

Software Development Engineer

$40 - $74

Computer & Information Systems Manager

$50 - $88

Computer & Information Research Scientist

$45 - $82

Office & Billing Clerk

$14 - $23

Tax Preparer

$13 - $23

Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerk

$16 - $24

Accountant & Auditor

$24 - $47

Financial Manager

$42 - $87

PST Services Map

Range of hourly wages from entry-level to experienced (2018), Emsi

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