Quick Answer: The University of Washington in Seattle employs approximately 37,000 people across the academic, research, and UW Medicine enterprises. UW Medicine (the integrated academic health system) is covered separately in our Healthcare hub. Pay ranges from $22–$30/hr for service positions to $300,000+ for senior faculty. Apply through uwhires.admin.washington.edu. UW offers comprehensive benefits including a defined-benefit pension option and tuition exemption for state employees.
Working at UW
The University of Washington is a Carnegie R1 public research university and the largest single employer in King County. The Seattle campus and three branch campuses (UW Bothell, UW Tacoma) collectively employ approximately 37,000. UW Medicine (Harborview, UW Medical Center, Northwest Hospital, Valley Medical Center) is a major affiliated health system covered in our Healthcare hub.
How to Apply at UW
- Visit uwhires.admin.washington.edu and create an account.
- Search by job category (Classified, Professional Staff, Academic, Temporary).
- Prepare resume, cover letter, and 3 references.
- Faculty applications go through Interfolio or department-specific portals.
- Submit through the portal — background check required.
UW Pay Ranges
| Role | Pay |
|---|---|
| Custodial / Food Service / Grounds | $22–$30/hr |
| Skilled Trades | $36–$52/hr |
| Administrative Assistant | $45,000–$60,000 |
| Mid-career Manager | $78,000–$125,000 |
| Director | $130,000–$220,000+ |
| Assistant Professor | $90,000–$145,000 |
| Associate Professor | $110,000–$180,000 |
| Full Professor (humanities) | $140,000–$220,000 |
| Full Professor (medicine, law, business, engineering) | $220,000–$500,000+ |
Benefits at UW
Health insurance: Multiple medical plans through the Washington Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB), plus dental and vision.
Retirement: Choice between Washington’s Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) defined-benefit pension and a defined-contribution plan with employer match.
Tuition exemption: Washington offers a state employee tuition exemption that allows eligible state employees (including UW staff) to enroll in courses at state colleges and universities on a space-available basis at substantially reduced fees. Confirm specifics with HR.
How to Ask About Tuition Exemption
- Wait for the interview stage.
- Ask about Washington’s State Employee Tuition Exemption Program: eligibility, course cap, and any service requirement.
- Note that the program is space-available — it doesn’t guarantee enrollment.
- Ask about dependent benefits (more limited than at private institutions).
Unions at UW
Washington is a strong public-sector union state. UW has substantial unionization:
- SEIU 925 — classified and clerical workers
- WFSE — Washington Federation of State Employees
- UAW Local 4121 — academic student employees
- UWPD Police Officers Association — UW Police
- Skilled Trades — trades workers through respective national craft unions
Tenure-stream faculty are unionized at UW Bothell and UW Tacoma but not at UW Seattle. UW Medicine has separate union structures covered in our Healthcare hub. Skilled trades workers at UW often pursue apprenticeships through Seattle-area union locals — see our Learn a Trade hub for guides on IBEW electrical training, plumber and HVAC apprenticeships, and other building-trade pathways, plus our Union vs Non-Union Apprenticeship comparison.
Student Employment
UW employs thousands of students in residence halls, dining, library, and academic departments at hourly rates aligned with Seattle minimum wage. Graduate students serving as Teaching Assistants and Research Assistants are unionized through UAW Local 4121.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply at UW?
Create an account at uwhires.admin.washington.edu, search by category, and submit your materials through the portal.
What is the average pay at UW?
Service $22–$30/hr; mid-career staff $78,000–$125,000; faculty $90,000–$500,000+ depending on rank and discipline.
Does UW offer tuition benefits?
Yes — the State Employee Tuition Exemption Program allows eligible employees to enroll at state colleges/universities on a space-available basis at reduced fees.
Are UW jobs unionized?
Many are. SEIU 925, WFSE, and UAW Local 4121 represent large categories of UW workers. Faculty are unionized at UW Bothell and UW Tacoma but not at UW Seattle.
What’s the difference between UW and UW Medicine jobs?
UW Medicine is a separate integrated health-system enterprise. See our Healthcare hub for UW Medicine.