Dishwashers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
The median pay for a dishwashers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $39,490/year ($18.98/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $48K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 111.13), so that salary is closer to $35,535 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,501/month — about 88% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $39K get you in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
About dishwashers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Entry-level dishwashers (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $39K.Top earners bring in $48K or more - a $13K spread from bottom to top.
Dishwashers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $38K | +12% | 11,340 |
| District of Columbia | $38K | +11% | 3,360 |
| California | $37K | +11% | 73,050 |
| Massachusetts | $37K | +11% | 12,800 |
| Vermont | $36K | +8% | 1,220 |
| Hawaii | $36K | +7% | 4,510 |
| New York | $35K | +5% | 31,750 |
| Oregon | $35K | +5% | 6,150 |
| Illinois | $35K | +5% | 13,670 |
| Connecticut | $35K | +4% | 7,010 |
| Arizona | $35K | +4% | 10,220 |
| Maine | $35K | +3% | 2,230 |
| New Jersey | $35K | +3% | 8,080 |
| Rhode Island | $34K | +2% | 2,830 |
| Alaska | $34K | +1% | 1,200 |
Track dishwashers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do dishwashers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median is $39,490 a year - that works out to about $18.98 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $34,930, and experienced dishwashers can clear $47,820. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $39K enough to live in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,814/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,501/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 88.9% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a dishwashers salary go in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue?
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue has a Regional Price Parity of 111.13 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median dishwashers salary is worth about $35,535 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do dishwashers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.