Seattle’s job market in 2026 is a mix of challenge and opportunity. Hiring has slowed in some sectors, and competition for roles can feel intense — but growth hasn’t disappeared. It’s simply more focused. Experts predict employers will prioritize candidates with specialized expertise, and successful professionals will be those who can balance technical know-how with strong soft skills. If you’re willing to adapt and upskill, the outlook is promising, especially in tech, health care and creative industries.
Seattle's In-Demand Jobs
(ranked by projected growth, 2025-35)
To help you understand which roles will see the greatest demand* in the area over the next 10 years, we crunched the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the market analytics firm Lightcast. Read on to learn about 10 of Seattle’s most in-demand jobs and the UW Professional & Continuing Education (UWPCE) programs that can help you break into or advance in each field.
What are the Hottest Jobs in Seattle?
1. Data Scientists
Data drives every aspect of life — from work and health to entertainment and social media. This deluge extends far beyond consumer use: industries across business, health care, education and technology are all deeply data dependent.
That translates into burgeoning career opportunities for those skilled at wrangling and finding meaning in all that data. The demand for trained data scientists is expected to soar in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area over the next decade.
Projected Growth
Data Scientists: 36%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
Learn how to acquire valuable insights from data sets and leverage skills in statistical modeling, machine learning, software engineering and more to improve business decisions by enrolling in one of UWPCE’s related offerings.
Looking for more? Explore all our data and analytics programs.
2. Information Security Analysts
From compromised customer accounts to multinational ransomware attacks, data breaches are a serious and costly threat to businesses and organizations of all sizes. A 2025 report by IBM estimated the average cost of such a data breach at more than $4.4 million, with unauthorized AI tools involved in 20% of breaches.
Projected Growth
Information Security Analysts: 32%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
Nearly all such attacks occurred at companies without proper access controls or governance policies, highlighting the need for top-trained
cybersecurity professionals. Looking to launch or further your career in cybersecurity? UWPCE has several certificates and courses that can help.
Looking for more? Explore all our security and information management programs.
3. Training and Development Managers and Specialists
Training and development managers and specialists are the creators of workforce growth. They design learning experiences and programs that sharpen skills, boost performance and keep employees engaged. As technology evolves and industries rapidly change, companies recognize that investing in employee development isn’t only about compliance and onboarding; it’s critical for staying competitive, closing skill gaps and retaining top talent.
Projected Growth
Training and Development Managers: 21%
Training and Development Specialists: 17%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
The increasing demand for continuous learning creates opportunities for both specialists and managers. To pursue a career in the field, you’ll need a strong mix of communication, instructional design and project management skills. UWPCE offers several programs to expand your toolkit.
Looking for more? Explore all our education programs.
4. Film and Video Editors
Video dominates how we learn, connect and share stories — from TikTok clips to corporate training. As formats evolve — think short-form, live streams and interactive content — the need for people who can create engaging videos and use AI tools to work smarter and more creatively is skyrocketing. Especially in a tech-savvy, creative city like Seattle.
Projected Growth
Film and Video Editors: 20%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
If you want to learn the ins and outs of film and video — including scripting, storytelling, camera and lighting, sound, directing and editing — we offer the
UW Certificate in Film & Video Production.
Looking for more? Explore all our communication and media programs.
5. Database Administrators and Architects
Because every business and organization is awash in data, professionals with the skills to organize, store, retrieve and maintain that data will always be in demand. Database administrators and database architects — roles which can sometimes overlap — are crucial parts of any good-sized IT department.
Projected Growth
Database Administrators: 19%
Database Architects: 16%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
Database administrators use their talents to analyze, test and implement computer databases and identify and resolve performance issues. Their efforts help ensure that anyone authorized to access the data can efficiently extract the information they need.
Database architects work at a higher level to design and develop new databases that underpin vital computer systems and applications. These skilled professionals code new data architecture that integrates existing databases and infrastructure and make sure all the different databases work together seamlessly. They’re also often responsible for data integrity and security issues.
Acquire the skills needed to break into this burgeoning field with one of these UWPCE offerings:
Looking for more? Explore all our data, analytics and applied math programs.
6. Speech-Language Pathologists
From supporting children with developmental delays to aiding stroke survivors in regaining communication, speech-language pathologists are vital health care professionals who help people overcome challenges with speech, language and swallowing. And with an increasing number of aging adults, growing awareness of communication disorders and the rise of telehealth means more people need their expertise than ever.
Projected Growth
Speech-Language Pathologists: 19%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
If you want to make a real difference in people’s lives, this is the career for you. Check out the
UW Certificate in Speech, Language & Hearing Foundations to gain the skills you need to succeed and earn the required prerequisites for graduate study in speech-language pathology, including programs like the
UW Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology.
Looking for more? Explore all our health care and public health programs.
7. Computer Network Architects
The masterminds behind the internet highways, computer network architects are responsible for keeping everything running smoothly and ensuring data flows seamlessly. As companies move more operations to the cloud and connect countless devices through IoT, the need for strong, complex networks that keep organizations connected, secure and scalable is steadily rising.
Projected Growth
Computer Network Architects: 19%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
More than just a technical position, a computer network architect's role is highly strategic. Professionals in this role often collaborate with executives to align infrastructure with business goals, making it a stepping stone to senior IT leadership positions. Pick up scripting techniques, core security concepts and tenets, and more in
UWPCE’s Network & System Administration (course) to add the skills to grow your career you need to develop innovative design systems and grow your career.
Looking for more? Explore all our systems & infrastructure programs.
8. HR Managers and Specialists
Responsible for connecting the people and culture of a company with the organization’s objectives and goals, human resources professionals are a vital part of a successful business. In a fiercely competitive market for skilled professionals, talented HR managers and HR specialists (an entry-level role) are more valuable and in demand than ever.
Projected Growth
HR Managers: 18%
HR Specialists: 14%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
Whether you’re breaking into the field or looking to ascend to a more senior role, UWPCE offers programs to help you succeed as an HR professional.
Looking for more? Explore all our human resources and development programs.
9. Marketing Managers and Specialists
Offering a great product isn’t enough if consumers are unaware it exists. That’s where marketing comes in. An essential revenue driver for many organizations, marketing brings real value to the table.
Projected Growth
Marketing Managers: 17%
Marketing Specialists: 12%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
As a result, openings for
marketing managers— the professionals who spearhead marketing campaigns, create advertising plans and manage budgets — are booming in the job market, as are listings for
marketing specialists. Gain the skills you need to be the linchpin of your marketing team by enrolling in one of UWPCE’s relevant programs.
Looking for more? Explore all our marketing programs.
10. Software Developers
Computing technology continues to reshape society, and the professionals driving this transformation are software developers (sometimes known as software engineers). These experts design and build applications, platforms and systems that power everything from everyday conveniences to leading-edge innovations.
Projected Growth
Software Developers: 14%
(Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, 2025-35)
While artificial intelligence and automation have changed how developers create software, they haven’t eliminated the need for humans. In fact, the role has evolved. Developers now use AI tools to help them work faster and smarter. That means the demand for skilled professionals is still strong, especially in tech hubs like Seattle, where cloud computing, AI integration and cybersecurity are driving growth. UWPCE offers many programs that prepare you to find work in this well-paying, growing profession.
Looking for more? Explore all our programming and software development programs.
*According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the percent change in the number of jobs added or lost in a U.S. occupation or industry is defined by the following percent changes: Much faster than the average: an increase of 9% or more; faster than the average: an increase of 5% to 8%.
Source: Lightcast