Seattle ranks third among U.S. metros for young professionals, new study finds

Seattle ranks as one of the best places in the country for young professionals starting their careers, according to a new study from JobLeads, even as major employers across the region have announced layoffs.

The JobLeads study ranks Seattle third among the nation’s 50 largest metro areas for recent graduates.

The study looked at how much money entry-level workers have left after paying rent. According to JobLeads, Seattle’s median entry-level wage is about $49,000 a year, with nearly $28,000 remaining after rent. Seattle ranked behind Portland and San Jose.

“Seattle has always been a hotbed of industry and opportunity for young professionals, as well as more tenured professionals alike,” said Megan Slabinski, district president at Seattle-based hiring firm Robert Half.

• Follow this link to read additional stories from KIRO 7

Slabinski said the skills employers are looking for are also changing, particularly as artificial intelligence becomes more common in the workplace.

According to Robert Half’s 2027 Salary Guide, 86% of employers plan to pay more for professionals with AI skills.

“That’s making AI literacy really one of the clearest ways for early career professionals to stand out,” Slabinski said.

Washington’s pay transparency requirements may also give job seekers an advantage when considering new opportunities. State law requires certain employers to include wage or salary ranges in job postings.

Slabinski said that level of transparency can be especially appealing to younger workers trying to understand what they can expect to earn as they weigh the cost of living.

“They want that level of transparency,” Slabinski said. “They want a level of understanding that it’s expensive, right, to live and pay your bills.”

For young professionals entering the workforce, Slabinski recommends reviewing job descriptions and posted salary ranges before reaching the negotiation stage.