Washington State’s life sciences industry has grown into one of the top ten in the United States, and Bellevue is playing a key role in this success. With 86 life sciences companies, Bellevue ranks second in the state for life sciences facilities, just behind Seattle, which has 454. The city is quickly becoming a major hub for industries like biotechnology, medical devices, and digital health.
According to a recent report, Washington’s life sciences sector has become a leader in research, development, and manufacturing, across fields like biotechnology, medical devices, bioagriculture, and veterinary medicine.
Over the past decade, the sector has expanded by more than 50%, growing faster than both the national job market and the private sector in Washington. This growth has played a major role in strengthening the local economy, particularly during challenging economic times.
The industry’s growth also includes the development and manufacturing of new products, which has helped make Washington home to world-class research institutions and innovative companies.
Bellevue’s location in the Puget Sound region makes it an attractive spot for life sciences companies. With 86 life sciences companies, Bellevue is emerging as a growing center for innovation, particularly in biotechnology and digital health. The city has seen companies expand both organically and through acquisitions, creating new jobs in research and manufacturing.
These companies also provide high-paying jobs, with an average salary of $145,268 in the life sciences sector.
The life sciences sector in Washington is also notable for its diversity, particularly when it comes to gender. Women make up 45% of the life sciences workforce in the state, one of the highest percentages in any STEM field. By comparison, women make up 24% of the aerospace industry and 32% of the computer system design industry.
In 2023, the sector contributed $41.2 billion to the state’s economy, adding $23.1 billion to the state’s GDP and supporting nearly 119,000 jobs. It also contributed $1.6 billion in tax revenue and provided $13.3 billion in wages and benefits.
