Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators Salary
The median pay for a stationary engineers and boiler operators in Washington is $91,530/year ($44/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $67K at the entry level to $128K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 102.01), that's roughly $89,726 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,830/month, or 29.9% of estimated take-home pay.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Washington. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $92K get you in Washington?
About stationary engineers and boiler operators
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What this looks like in Washington
Washington sits well above the national pay line for stationary engineers and boiler operators, local pay runs about 16% higher than the U.S. median of $79K. Rent runs $1,830/month for a 2-bedroom (HUD FMR), taking 30.2% of the median take-home. That's within the 30% rule, though not by much. Cost of living (RPP 102.01) is near the national average, so spending patterns here track the typical American budget fairly closely. Use the affordability calculator above to model your specific situation.
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington
Entry-level stationary engineers and boiler operators (10th percentile) start around $67K. Mid-career wages sit at $92K. Top earners bring in $128K or more, a $61K spread from bottom to top.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators salary by metro in Washington
4 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $112K | +23% | 210 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $103K | +13% | 80 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $78K | -15% | 60 |
| Longview-Kelso | $77K | -15% | 30 |
Compare to other states
Track stationary engineers and boiler operators salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stationary engineers and boiler operator afford a 2BR apartment alone in Washington?
It’s a stretch — at the median salary of $92K, rent takes 30.2% of take-home pay. A 2-bedroom at the HUD Fair Market Rent runs $1,830/month. The 30% guideline puts the comfortable ceiling at roughly $1,800/month in rent — so roommates or a 1-bedroom would ease the math significantly.
What’s the entry-level salary for stationary engineers and boiler operators in Washington?
The 10th-percentile wage — what new stationary engineers and boiler operators typically earn — is $67K/year. Take-home on that works out to about $4,033/month. At HUD’s $1,830/month FMR, rent would take 45% of that take-home — above the 30% guideline, so a 1-bedroom or shared housing is likely necessary starting out.
Is stationary engineers and boiler operator a high-paying job in Washington?
Local pay is 16% above the national median — $92K here vs. $79K nationally.
How does Washington compare to the national average for stationary engineers and boiler operators?
Washington pays $92K median vs. the U.S. average of $79K — that’s +16%. After adjusting for local cost of living (RPP 102.01), the purchasing-power equivalent is $90K — still ahead of the national median.
How much do stationary engineers and boiler operators make in Washington?
The median is $91,530 a year, that works out to about $44 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $67,220, and experienced stationary engineers and boiler operators can clear $128,250. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $92K enough to live in Washington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,065/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,830/month, which eats 30.2% 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 stationary engineers and boiler operators salary go in Washington?
Washington has a Regional Price Parity of 102.01 (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 stationary engineers and boiler operators salary is worth about $89,726 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do stationary engineers and boiler operators 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.