Seattle Aquarium Salary

As of September 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Seattle Aquarium in the United States is $100,723. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $48. Salaries at Seattle Aquarium typically range from $88,034 to $115,342 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Seattle Aquarium Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Seattle Aquarium. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the President & Chief Executive Officer, with an annual salary of $779,683. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
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Is Seattle Aquarium’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Seattle Aquarium'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
Whitehorse Middle School $91,504
-9.2%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission $82,295
-18.3%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission primarily operates.
Office of Victim Services $91,641
-9.0%
Office of Victim Services focuses strategically on recruiting and training entry-level apprentices.
Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia $86,778
-13.8%
Community Foundation for Northeast Georgia may offer non-monetary perks in lieu of competitive base salaries.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+14.5%
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 Seattle Aquarium

Considering a career at Seattle Aquarium? 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.
Leaders communicate priorities well, and there’s a great sense of shared responsibility and mutual respect in achieving organizational goals. The job is stable with a clear structure, but promotions can take time. Knowing that your position is stable and that you have excellent healthcare and retirement plans provides immense peace of mind. Strong teamwork and supportive colleagues create a motiva...
Opportunities for career growth within departments and across agencies. Met requirements. Not much variety day-to-day.
It’s clear they value accountability, communication, and long-term results. Team spirit is high, especially during projects. The employee recognition programs, though sometimes simple, make a difference in acknowledging hard work and dedication. Work is consistent, but repetitive. Working here means engaging in meaningful work that impacts communities positively. Memorable examples changed workpla...
Opportunities are given to develop in a structured system. It's inspiring to work alongside so many dedicated professionals united in our mission to educate future generations. I've been consistently impressed by the commitment to public service and ethical conduct at In an institution of employees, maintaining such high standards is commendable. Leadership promotes transparency and collaboration....

Seattle Aquarium Overview

Website
www.seattleaquarium.org
Founded In
1977
Employees
100 - 200 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
1483 Alaskan Way Pier Seattle Washington WA 98101
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 2063864300
Social Media
About Seattle Aquarium
Founded in 1977 and located on Pier 59 in the heart of Seattle, Washington, the nonprofit Seattle Aquarium serves as the largest platform for ocean conservation and engagement in the Pacific Northwest. With a mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment, it leads educational, conservation and regional research initiatives for a healthier planet. A thriving and vibrant Aquarium is a

What Benefits Does Seattle Aquarium Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Seattle Aquarium 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 Seattle Aquarium.
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 Seattle Aquarium, 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 Seattle Aquarium 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 Seattle Aquarium

1. How much does Seattle Aquarium in the United States pay?

Seattle Aquarium pays its employees an average of $100,723 per year. The average salary at Seattle Aquarium range from $88,034 to $115,342 per year. 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. Do Seattle Aquarium employees get a higher salary than its peer company?

The salary at Seattle Aquarium is higher than its peer company. The average annual salary at Seattle Aquarium is $100,723, or an hourly wage of $48, in comparison to Whitehorse Middle School which pays $91,504 per year or $44 per hour.

3. What are the highest paying jobs at Seattle Aquarium?

The higher-paying job at Seattle Aquarium, according to our data, include President & Chief Executive Officer (avg. $779,683 per year), Chief Operating Officer (avg. $454,836 per year), and Controller (avg. $233,373 per year). Pay for these roles reflects significant responsibility, specialized skills and experience.

4. How much does salary increase with years of experience at Seattle Aquarium?

Salary progression with years of experience at Seattle Aquarium is typical. Generally, as employees gain more relevant experience, develop more skills, and take on greater responsibilities, their earning potential increases. For example, a role with 5-7 years of experience will usually pay more than the same role requiring 0-2 years.

5. Do salaries at Seattle Aquarium vary by office location?

Yes, it's very likely that salaries at Seattle Aquarium vary by office location. Companies often adjust pay based on local market rates, cost of living, and talent competition in different geographic areas. For instance, a role in a high-cost city like New York City may offer a higher nominal salary than the same role in a lower-cost city like Omaha, NE. Our Cost of Living Insights for Seattle section provides more context.

6. Does Seattle Aquarium offer good benefits?

Seattle Aquarium typically offers a comprehensive benefits package that adds significant value to an employee's total compensation. Common benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan often with a company match, paid time off. For example, a strong 401(k) match or excellent, low-cost health insurance can be worth thousands of dollars annually, effectively increasing your overall earnings beyond your base salary. For a more detailed list of benefits, please see our "Employee Benefits at Seattle Aquarium" section on this page.