With a robust economy and concentration of Fortune 500 companies, Seattle offers abundant opportunities for investment professionals. The median salary for financial analysts in Seattle is over $92k, much higher than the national average. Meanwhile, Seattle’s unemployment rate stayed low at 3.7% in 2019. This article summaries key facts about pursuing an investment career in Seattle from job prospects, top employers, to salaries and required skills.
Strong job growth and high pay make investment roles in Seattle attractive
The Seattle metro area has experienced strong job growth in recent years, especially in high-paying sectors like technology and finance. Employment in Seattle’s finance and insurance sector grew over 25% from 2010 to 2018. With major companies like Amazon and Microsoft headquartered in the region, compensation levels also tend to be higher compared to other parts of the country. The average salary for a financial analyst in Seattle is $92,270, much more than the national median of $81,590.
Top companies hiring investment professionals in Seattle
Many Fortune 500 corporations are based in Seattle and offer appealing job opportunities for those interested in investment roles. Top companies hiring investment analysts and related positions include Amazon, Starbucks, Microsoft, Boeing, Costco, Nordstrom, Expedia Group, Weyerhaeuser, etc. There are also many asset management firms, investment banks, wealth advisors, and fintech startups looking for investment talent.
In-demand technical and soft skills for Seattle investment jobs
For Seattle investment jobs, quantitative skills like financial modeling, data analysis, and valuation are must-haves. Programming knowledge is also desired by many tech-focused firms. Soft skills like communication, business acumen, and attention to detail are equally important for client-facing investment roles.
Prestigious universities offer strong investment education pathways
The Seattle region is home to globally recognized universities like University of Washington and Seattle University that provide high quality investment-related programs to prepare graduates for finance careers. UW Foster School of Business is ranked #8 for investment banking placements among public undergraduate business schools.
With high pay, low unemployment, and a concentration of Fortune 500 companies, Seattle offers exciting opportunities for investment professionals. Both technical skills and soft skills are valued to succeed in the city’s competitive job market.