Cowlitz County Salary

As of August 2026, the average hourly salary for employees at Cowlitz County in the United States is $49. This translates to an approximate annual wage of $101,008. Salaries at Cowlitz County typically range from $42 to $56 hourly, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.
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Current Job Openings at Cowlitz County

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Is Cowlitz County’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Cowlitz County's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
Chittenden Central Supervisory Union $47
-3.4%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Plainedge High School $54
+11.1%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to Plainedge High School's sector.
CP of NYS $49
+0.5%
Suggests CP of NYS utilizes a highly similar base-plus-benefits compensation model.
Marine Science Institute $44
-9.5%
Marine Science Institute likely leverages performance bonuses over the high base salary shown here.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $56
+14.2%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Cowlitz County

Considering a career at Cowlitz County? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
There's a shared dedication among the employees to achieve common goals, whether improving educational standards or streamlining government services. Work is consistent, but repetitive. The opportunities to contribute to meaningful policy changes and educational initiatives are immense, making every day feel impactful. People care about each other here. Career advancement opportunities exist but m...
A sense of purpose in every task. What stands out most is the shared passion for education - from the maintenance staff to the superintendent, everyone believes in our mission. It's a reasonable option for someone looking to stay long-term without pursuing ambitious career development. Salaries are fair and it is competitive.
Peace of mind. The collaborative spirit at is a true strength. Employee recognition programs boost morale and engagement.
Strong sense of purpose and public service drives our mission. Training is thorough, and professional development is supported. Most importantly, there's a palpable sense of purpose - everyone understands how their role contributes to student success.
Transparent decision-making builds trust organization-wide. Even in such a large and complex structure, senior management communicates goals clearly and shows genuine appreciation for employee contributions. Employees have access to numerous learning and development programs that help them grow professionally and personally. No penalties.

Cowlitz County Overview

Website
www.co.cowlitz.wa.us
Founded In
Data pending, update soon.
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
207 N 4th Ave Kelso Washington WA 98626
Revenue
$50 Million - $200 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About Cowlitz County
Cowlitz County is a county located in the U.S. state of Washington. The county was formed on April 21, 1854. Its name derives from the anglicized version of the Cowlitz Indian term, Cow-e-liske, meaning either river of shifting sands or capturing the medicine spirit. Cowlitz comprises the Longview, WA Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Portland-Vancouver-Salem, OR-WA Comb

What Benefits Does Cowlitz County Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Cowlitz County offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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What Is the Cost of Living Near Seattle?

Understanding the cost of living near Seattle is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Cowlitz County.
Seattle's Cost of Living Index is approximately 152.7 (52.7% more expensive than US average; 36.8% more than WA average). Major tech hub (Amazon, Microsoft nearby), extremely high housing costs. King County Metro, Sound Transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Cowlitz County, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $2,000 - $3,000+ A significant portion of Cowlitz County salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $130 - $220 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation $99 (ORCA monthly pass) Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $500 - $750 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $550 - $1,000+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $430 - $800+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $3,709 - $5,779+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Cowlitz County

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Cowlitz County?

The typical salary range for most roles at Cowlitz County is approximately from $42 to $56 per hour. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Cowlitz County pay compared to Chittenden Central Supervisory Union?

The average annual salary at Cowlitz County is $101,008, or an hourly wage of $49, in comparison to Chittenden Central Supervisory Union which pays $97,527 per year or $47 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Cowlitz County?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Cowlitz County due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Cowlitz County?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Cowlitz County, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Cowlitz County in Seattle is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Cowlitz County in Seattle is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Cowlitz County and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Seattle" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Are the salaries listed for Cowlitz County on Salary.com pre-tax or after-tax?

All salary figures displayed for Cowlitz County, including average base salary and estimated total compensation, are pre-tax amounts. They do not account for federal, state, or local income taxes, nor deductions for benefits like health insurance or 401(k) contributions.