Biotechnology Degree Programs in Washington (2026)
Quick answer: Natural Sciences Managers in Washington earn a median $182,480 per year, above the national median of $167,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The state employs about 2,490 of them. Licensing runs through the employers and research institutions hiring in your area.
Biotechnology Pay and Employment in Washington at a Glance
| Metric | Washington | National | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $182,480 | $167,220 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 10th percentile | $117,590 | $79,710 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 25th percentile | $142,130 | $119,430 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 75th percentile | $223,260 | $221,540 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 90th percentile | $324,740 | $316,850 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Employment | 2,490 | 108,690 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Location quotient | 1.0 | 1.00 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Projected change (2024-34) | not published by state | 3.7% | BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34 |
How Washington Pay Compares to the Rest of the Country
The Washington median of $182,480 sits above the national median of $167,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Percentiles matter more than the midpoint when you are deciding whether a degree pays for itself: the 10th percentile is roughly where people start, and the 90th is what the top of the local market looks like after years of experience.
A location quotient of 1.0 puts Washington slightly above the national average, so the occupation is a little more common here than in the typical state (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The measure compares how concentrated the occupation is here against the national average of 1.00.
Where the Jobs Are in Washington
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Kennewick | $215,860 | 110 |
| Seattle | $203,150 | 1,730 |
| Bremerton | $150,030 | 50 |
| Olympia | $145,560 | 110 |
| Bellingham | $134,220 | 40 |
| Spokane | $130,640 | 70 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Biotechnology employment is concentrated in a relatively small number of research and manufacturing clusters, so the local picture varies far more than most fields here.
Natural Sciences Managers Wages by Metro Area in Washington
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), natural sciences managers wages in Washington vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria | 5,890 | $169,060 | $174,970 | $123,920 | $232,340 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | 1,730 | $203,150 | $213,950 | $131,550 | $336,640 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro | 1,040 | $165,200 | $178,220 | $118,300 | $237,750 |
| Kennewick-Richland | 110 | $215,860 | $214,620 | $142,420 | $278,050 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | 110 | $145,560 | $150,720 | $108,160 | $196,590 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | 70 | $130,640 | $145,160 | $102,960 | $204,970 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | 50 | $150,030 | $159,470 | $100,330 | $218,440 |
| Bellingham | 40 | $134,220 | $143,690 | $97,880 | $199,230 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
All Washington Metro Areas With Published Data
Licensing and Credentials in Washington
Biotechnology is not a licensed occupation. What regulates the work is the environment rather than the person: FDA good manufacturing practice and good laboratory practice govern process development and production roles, and employers train to them. The laboratory component of a biotechnology degree is hands-on and normally completed on campus.
Requirements are set at state level and are amended periodically. Before you enroll in any program, confirm with the employers and research institutions hiring in your area that the specific program you are considering satisfies the education requirement, and ask what it accepts from any training you have already completed. Get the answer in writing.
Earning the Degree While You Work
Most people reading this already have a job in the field, and the practical question is whether the credential can be earned without leaving it. Programs designed for working adults deliver the academic portion online or in the evening, while any labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience happen in person and locally. Prior college credit, military training, apprenticeship coursework and industry certifications can all shorten the path, so request a written transfer credit evaluation before you commit to any school.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
No schools in our database. If this is a mistake, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do natural sciences managers make in Washington?
The median annual wage for natural sciences managers in Washington is $182,480, above the national median of $167,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle of the range runs from $142,130 at the 25th percentile to $223,260 at the 75th.
How many natural sciences managers work in Washington?
Washington holds about 2,490 biotechnology professional jobs (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Nationally the occupation employs 108,690, and BLS projects about 8,500 openings per year through 2034 (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34).
Do I need a license to work as a biotechnology professional in Washington?
Biotechnology is not a licensed occupation. What regulates the work is the environment rather than the person: FDA good manufacturing practice and good laboratory practice govern process development and production roles, and employers train to them. The laboratory component of a biotechnology degree is hands-on and normally completed on campus. Requirements are set at the state level and change periodically, so confirm the current rules with the employers and research institutions hiring in your area before you enroll in any program.
Can I earn a biotechnology bachelor's or master's online while working in Washington?
Often yes. Programs built for working adults deliver coursework online or in the evenings, though any required labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience are completed in person. Confirm that the program's accreditation satisfies the employers and research institutions hiring in your area.
What is the highest-paying area of Washington for natural sciences managers?
Among Washington metro areas with published data, Kennewick reports the highest median at $215,860 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Is Washington a good state for natural sciences managers?
On pay, the state median of $182,480 sits above the national $167,220 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A location quotient of 1.0 means the occupation is more concentrated here than in the average state. Weigh that against cost of living and how concentrated the work is near where you actually want to live.
Related Guides
- Biotechnology programs and how to choose one - the national guide to this degree
- Chemist career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
- Trade careers that require a 4-year degree
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Natural Sciences Managers (SOC 11-9121), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.