PUBLIC SECTOR
AT A GLANCE
The public sector is a broad category that includes city, county, state, and federal government offices and agencies. These occupations can have a big impact on the community, but also typically require a strong understanding of rules and regulations. Public sector jobs generally have long-term incentives, including retirement benefits and clear career progression.
OPPORTUNITY IN
THE PUBLIC SECTOR
NOW
543
entities in Seattle-King County
191,276
jobs in Seattle-King County
$89,900
average annual earnings
2028
11%
increase in public sector job demand
22%
Elementary, Middle, Secondary & Substitute School Teacher
21%
Police Officer
19%
Bus Mechanic & Diesel Engine Specialist
19%
Education Administrator
PUBLIC SECTOR PROPERTIES
WORK AREAS
City
County
State
Federal
Communication
Project flexibility
TOOLS OF THE TRADE
Data literacy
CAREER MAP
This map includes some of the most in-demand public sector jobs in Seattle-King County. Roles and skillsets vary more widely than in other industries, from social services, to public infrastructure, to natural resource management. Advancement in some branches is attached to education, while others require hands-on experience. Most types of occupations exist within the public sector.
Professional, Scientific & Technical Services
Healthcare
TRANSFER SKILLS BETWEEN
- Janitor & Cleaner
- Crossing Guard
- Office & Information Clerk
- Help Desk
- Community Health Worker
​
$13 - $23
Teacher Assistant
$14 - $20
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
Construction
PUBLIC SAFETY & EMERGENCY SERVICES
EDUCATION (SCHOOLS & LIBRARIES)
TRANSIT SERVICES
PUBLIC HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES
GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS
Trade
Information Technology
Elementary, Middle, Secondary & Substitute Teachers
$24 - $36
Librarian
$29 - $40
Education Administrator
$36 - $59
Postsecondary Teacher
$29 - $56
Correctional Officer & Jailer
$24 - $34
Firefighter
$29 - $46
Police Officer
$33 - $47
Fire Lieutenant
$47 - $58
Police Lieutenant
$46 - $70
Fire Captain
$54 - $76
Police Captain
$60 - $85
Police Chief
$80 - $131
Fire Chief
$64 - $117
Bus Driver
$18 - $29
Bus Mechanic & Diesel Engine Specialist
$20 - $33
Civil Engineer
$31 - $50
Urban & Regional Planner
$33 - $49
Licensed Practical Nurse
$21 - $29
Research Assistant
$16 - $25
Medical Scientist & Epidemiologist
$24 - $60
Registered Nurse
$29 - $47
Social & Human Services Assistant
$15 - $25
Healthcare Administrator
$35 - $78
Social Worker
$19 - $33
Community Health Educator
$21 - $36
Secretary & Administrative Assistant
$16 - $25
Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerk
$16 - $24
Analyst (BI, Computer Systems)
$34 - $56
Accountant & Auditor
$24 - $47
Software Development
Engineer
$40 - $74
Financial Manager
$42 - $87
Computer & Information Systems Manager
$50 - $88
Range of hourly wages from entry-level to experienced (2018), Emsi
