With a whopping 21% population growth over the last decade, Seattle is perhaps the fastest-growing major city in America. And while it only qualifies it as the 18th largest city in the country, a booming economy and large growth in the tech and healthcare sectors has propelled the city to become a top destination for remote workers. According to one study, Seattle ranks as the 20th-best city for work from home occupations, further solidifying it as a top choice. If you’re looking to relocate or change gears to a work at home job, check out these Seattle remote jobs and what makes the city such a great destination for aspiring remote workers.
What Makes Seattle a Great Place for Remote Jobs and Living
While the COVID pandemic forced many companies to embrace remote work, the trend in Seattle looks more permanent. A survey of tech workers in the city demonstrated that most of them expect to stay remote for the foreseeable future, and possibly, for good. Moreover, the city has some great amenities that make it a great place to live:
- Despite its reputation as a rainy city, Seattle actually has 164 days of sunshine throughout the year
- Proximity to skiing and winter sports
- Outdoor activities galore
- A booming job market
- Average summer temperatures of 75 degrees, giving you the perfect weather that’s not too hot or too cold
- Phenomenal sports town
- Road trips to Spokane, Portland, and Vancouver within four hours
- Dog-friendly at most businesses
- Over 250 craft breweries
- Delicious coffee at local, regional, and national cafes
A major drawback of living and working in Seattle is the cost of living. The average home price is over $900,000 and the cost of living is 49% above the national average. However, many jobs compensate you at a higher rate for your work, closing the gap between income and the overall cost of living in the city.
Job and Salary Outlook for Seattle
While many companies want to employ hybrid work arrangements or return to the office altogether, Seattle is a notable outlier. According to the Puget Sound Business Journal, 39% of companies are remote-friendly. With so many Seattle remote jobs, opportunities are rife for employment for someone with your skills.
Another bonus of living in Seattle is its astoundingly low unemployment rate of 3.3%, which is even lower than the national average of 3.9%. In addition, Seattle boasts an annual median salary of around $75,000 or $35.74 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. A 2.6% job growth rate is also an attractive factor of the city, especially when it comes to Seattle remote jobs and open positions in the future.
Companies Hiring for Remote Jobs in Seattle
Whether you want to work for a small business, a medium-sized firm, or a large corporation, Seattle has you covered. Though the city is home to 10 Fortune 500 companies, smaller businesses also thrive within the city limits. If you’re looking for a place to start your search, check out a few of these companies hiring for Seattle remote jobs.
Amazon
With over $386 billion in revenue in 2020 alone, Amazon is the world’s largest online retailer and the second-largest retailer in the world to only Wal-Mart. Offering just about any good you can think of, the company has over 197 million customers a year, which is more than the population of Russia. In addition to an online marketplace, Amazon also has other product lines, including Amazon Music, Amazon Video, and Amazon Audible, all of which propel this company into a one-stop-shop.
Starbucks
Founded in 1971 in Seattle’s famed Pike Place Market, Starbucks has grown to become the largest seller of coffee in the world. Almost anywhere across the globe, customers can set foot in a Starbucks and find the same quality of products they’ve come to know and love. With more than 30,000 retail locations and 350,000 workers, it’s a wonder that it started in one small location.
Microsoft
Started in a garage just outside Seattle, Microsoft Corporation is a worldwide technology leader. Innovators of the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office, and other notable software, the company ranks #33 on the Fortune 500 and is one of the major employers for Seattle remote jobs.
How Virtual Vocations Can Help You Find Remote Employment in the Emerald City
While Seattle may have a higher cost of living than some other American cities, the sheer number of opportunities is what makes the city such an alluring choice for remote workers. But that doesn’t mean you should blindly apply for jobs and ship off to the Emerald City. Instead, partner with Virtual Vocations.
With a free or paid membership, Virtual Vocations provides all the resources and materials you need to improve your skills as a remote worker. Whether you’re looking to enter a new industry, need a resume makeover, or just need some job coaching, Virtual Vocations can help. Sign up today to see how Virtual Vocations can improve your chances of employment in the jewel of the Pacific Northwest.
What makes Seattle a great place for you? Which Seattle companies are you dreaming to work for? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!
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