Sound Transit Salary

As of July 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Sound Transit in the United States is $90,189. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $43. Salaries at Sound Transit typically range from $79,106 to $102,655 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Sound Transit Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Sound Transit. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Capacity Manager, Chicago, with an annual salary of $203,001. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.

Operations Manager

$117,248 / year

Salary Range: $104,811 - $130,828

Operations

Class C Bobtail Driver - Local

$48,726 / year

Salary Range: $43,309 - $54,966

Transportation

Driver Helper

$40,884 / year

Salary Range: $35,607 - $46,974

Transportation

Enterprise Sales Executive (Flexible Location)

$194,874 / year

Salary Range: $168,175 - $223,685

Sales

Enterprise Sales Executive

$95,863 / year

Salary Range: $86,515 - $108,732

Workers' Compensation

Station Manager (Onsite)

$95,036 / year

Salary Range: $79,593 - $105,591

Terminal Operations

Turn Insight into Opportunity: Current Job Openings

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About Sound Transit: Company Profile

Website
www.soundtransit.org
Founded In
1996
Employees
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Industry
Transportation
Headquarter Location
SEATTLE
Revenue
$200 Million - $500 Million
Phone Number
-
Social Media
About SOUND TRANSIT
Sound Transit plans, builds and operates express bus, light rail and commuter train services.

Employee Reviews: Insights on Salary, Culture & Work-Life

Gain authentic perspectives from current and former employees. These anonymous reviews offer invaluable insights into Sound Transit's culture, work-life balance, management, and employee sentiment regarding salary satisfaction, bonus payouts, and benefits.
This company stands out in the transportation industry for its employee-focused approach. Overall, I appreciate the stability and growth opportunities here. A great place for those seeking stability in transportation. The size of the organization means there are always new challenges and learning opportunities.
The team environment is decent, and supervisors are approachable. The pay is fair, and the health benefits are excellent. I’ve built strong relationships with colleagues, making each workday enjoyable. The pay is competitive, and the benefits are comprehensive. Workloads are balanced, and supervisors are fair.
The work environment is professional without unnecessary stress. This company values its employees and fosters a supportive atmosphere. Leadership is strong, and the work environment is positive. The benefits package is competitive, including health insurance and performance bonuses. Our transportation company stands out for its employee retention and satisfaction. Safety is prioritized through re...
Efficient operations. The environment is professional, though some processes could be streamlined. I’ve grown both professionally and personally here and would recommend it to others. The work environment is engaging, and the leadership is open to feedback. Workloads are manageable, and the environment is structured.

Is Sound Transit’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Sound Transit'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
SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY (SFMTA) $102,481
+13.6%
Reflects a supply-demand imbalance for the specific talent SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY (SFMTA) targets.
GROUNDWORKS $72,463
-19.7%
Reflects market rates for standard general contracting, differing from specialized roles.
METRA COMMUTER RAIL $87,181
-3.3%
METRA COMMUTER RAIL operates with a leaner overhead structure, impacting base wage offers.
KEOLIS TRANSIT AMERICA $83,497
-7.4%
Normalized for lower cost-of-living zones where KEOLIS TRANSIT AMERICA primarily operates.
Transportation Industry $125,356
+39.0%
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.

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 Sound Transit.
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 Sound Transit, 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 Sound Transit 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.

Most Common Questions About Sound Transit

FAQ 1: What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Sound Transit?
The typical annual salary range for most roles at Sound Transit is approximately from $79,106 to $102,655. 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.
FAQ 2: How much does Sound Transit pay compared to SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY (SFMTA)?
The average annual salary at Sound Transit is $90,189, or an hourly wage of $43, in comparison to SAN FRANCISCO MUNICIPAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY (SFMTA) which pays $102,480 per year or $49 per hour.
FAQ 3: How does experience level affect salary at Sound Transit?
Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Sound Transit, 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.
FAQ 4: How can I determine if a salary offer from Sound Transit in Seattle is fair given the local cost of living?
To determine if a salary offer from Sound Transit in Seattle is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Sound Transit and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Seattle" to understand its purchasing power.
FAQ 5: Why might an individual's actual salary at Sound Transit differ from the ranges shown here?
An individual's actual salary at Sound Transit can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.