Oct. 07 2025
Hot Jobs in Our Own Backyard
Thinking about a career change? Will your degree lead to a rewarding and in-demand career? Good news: the data says yes—especially right here in Snohomish and King Counties.
Using up-to-date labor market insights from Lightcast we've identified some of the hottest career paths in our region—across industries like business & finance, engineering, healthcare, hospitality, human services, government, and more. These jobs not only show strong growth over the next five years, but also offer strong starting and average salaries.
Even better? We offer programs at Edmonds College that can help you get started in these careers.
🎬 Arts & Communication
Creative careers are alive and thriving! Whether you're into storytelling, media, or public relations, these jobs are heating up.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Public Relations Specialist | +8% | $62K | $102K | Associate in Arts in Communication Studies |
| Video & Audio Technicians | +8% | $50K | $87K | Music and Audio Production Certificate |
💼 Business & Finance
From CEOs to tax pros, business remains a top-growing field with some of the highest salaries in the region.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager |
+19% |
$124K |
$205K |
Associate in Business- Direct Transfer Agreement |
|
Chief Executive |
+13% |
$202K |
$386K |
Associate in Business- Direct Transfer Agreement |
|
Marketing Manager |
+13% | $108K |
$199K |
|
| Tax Preparer |
+10% |
$39K | $51K | Accounting Certificate |
🔧 Engineering & Manufacturing
Engineers and skilled technicians are in high demand, especially in the aerospace and clean energy sectors.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer | +6% | $94K | $141K | Associate in Science Transfer Track 2 (AS-Track 2)- Computer/Electrical Engineering and Bachelor of Applied Science Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Engineering Technology (AMMET - BAS Degree). |
| Industrial Engineer | +9% | $84K | $127K | Bachelor of Applied Science Advanced Manufacturing & Materials Engineering Technology (AMMET -BAS Degree) |
| Aircraft Mechanic | +6% | $56K | $85K | WATR Center Certificates |
| Mechatronics Technician | +6% | $49K | $84K | Mechatronics Associate of Technical Arts Degree |
🌱 Environmental Science & Horticulture
Green jobs are more than a trend—they're essential. With a focus on sustainability, this field is experiencing rapid growth.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Natural Sciences Manager |
+11% | $136K | $222K | |
| Environmental Scientist | +8% | $65K | $102K | Associate of Arts or Associate in Science Degree Track 1 |
| Landscape Supervisor | +8% | $53K | $75K | Landscape Design Specialization Associate of Technical Arts Degree |
🍽️ Hospitality & Culinary Arts
Tourism and events are back—and stronger than ever. Want to travel or create culinary magic? Here's where to look.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Chef & Head Cook |
+10% | $53K | $76K | Culinary Arts Associate of Technical Arts |
| Event Planner | +8% | $44K | $77K | |
| Travel Agent | +9% | $43K | $61K |
🧠 Human Services & Behavioral Health
Make a difference. This field is experiencing high demand as communities expand and mental health becomes a growing priority.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Social & Community Services Manager | +12% | $71K | $116K | Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Child, Youth and Family Studies, Associate in Applied Science Human Services Associate in Applied Science Transfer Degree, Associate of Technical Arts- Human Services |
| Mental Health Counselor | +10% | $49K | $74K | Associate in Applied Science Human Services Transfer Degree to Bachelor of Applied Sciences in Child, Youth and Family Studies |
| Psychiatric Technician | +13% | $50K | $58K | Mental Health Technician Certificate |
| Preschool Teacher | +7% | $39K | $49K | Bachelors of Applied Science in Child, Youth, and Family Studies, Early Childhood Ed Associate in Applied Science Transfer, Associate in Technical Arts, Certificates |
🧠💻 Information Technology (IT)
Tech continues to boom—especially cybersecurity, software, and cloud development.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Information Security Analyst |
+21% |
$100K |
$157K |
Associate of Technical Arts in Cyber Defense and Digital Forensics to Bachelor's Transfer Degree |
|
Software Developer |
+10% |
$106K |
$183K |
Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Application Development or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
|
Web Developer |
+7% |
$68K |
$127K |
Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Development or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
|
Network Support Specialist |
+11% |
$66K |
$111K |
Network Technology & Admin Associate of Technical Arts and Certificates or Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Application Development |
🧠⚖️ Law & Government
Looking to serve the public? There's growing demand across legal and civic roles.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lawyer |
+8% |
$102K |
$190K |
Associate of Arts in Political Science- Direct Transfer Agreement or Paralegal Program |
|
Public Safety Telecommunications |
+7% |
$67K |
$80K |
|
|
Court Clerk |
+11% |
$62K |
$72K |
Associate of Arts in Political Science- Direct Transfer Agreement |
🧠📊 Math & Natural Sciences
Big data is big business. Analytical thinkers are in demand, especially in data science and statistics.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Data Scientist |
+23% |
$95K |
$166K |
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Data Analytics Certificate |
|
Statistician |
+7% |
$82K |
$117K |
Data Analytics Certificate or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science |
🌎 Social Sciences & Cultural Studies
These roles support student wellbeing and community development—critical to a thriving society.
| Job Title | Growth | Starting Salary | Median Salary | Our Programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
School Psychologist or Counselor |
+6% |
$86K |
$115K |
Bachelor of Applied Science in Child, Youth, and Family Studies |
Ready to Start Your Future?
Explore the Edmonds College Programs and see how your education can connect directly to real, local job opportunities. Whether you're entering college for the first time or reskilling for a new career, there's never been a better time to invest in yourself—and your future.
Questions about your career path? Connect with our Career Action Center or speak with an advisor at Edmonds College today!