Seattle vs Eastside: Where the Tech Jobs Are in Seattle
The Seattle area is one of the most important tech hubs in North America, but "Seattle tech" is really a cluster of distinct job markets spread around Lake Washington. A software engineer living in Capitol Hill and one living in Redmond can have completely different commutes, employer options and daily lives. If you are job hunting or thinking of relocating, understanding Seattle vs the Eastside will help you target the right companies and choose where to live. This guide breaks down the main tech areas of the Puget Sound region and what to expect in each.
The big picture
The region's tech economy is anchored by two of the world's largest technology companies, Amazon and Microsoft, plus major engineering offices for many other large tech firms and a deep bench of startups. Cloud computing is a particular strength, since both Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure have their roots here. Washington also has no state personal income tax, which is a factor many tech workers weigh when comparing offers from other states, though housing and other living costs in the area are high.
Seattle proper
South Lake Union and Downtown
South Lake Union is the heart of Amazon's urban headquarters campus and home to many other tech, biotech and research employers. Downtown and neighboring Denny Triangle house tech offices, startups and professional services firms. Living close by means walkable commutes, while light rail and buses connect to neighborhoods north and south.
Fremont, Wallingford and the north
Fremont and its neighbors have long hosted engineering offices for large tech companies, along with startups and creative firms, in a more neighborhood feel. The University of Washington, a major research institution and talent pipeline, sits nearby in the University District.
Pioneer Square, SODO and Interbay
Pioneer Square and SODO have attracted startups, game companies and corporate tech teams, while the Interbay waterfront area hosts a large corporate campus for a travel technology company. These areas tend to be close to transit hubs and the stadiums.
The Eastside
East of Lake Washington, the cities of Bellevue, Redmond and Kirkland form a tech market that rivals Seattle itself.
Bellevue
Downtown Bellevue has grown into a high-rise business district with major offices for several large tech companies, telecom and gaming employers, and many startups. Several big tech employers have expanded their Bellevue footprint significantly in recent years. Bellevue offers newer housing and a suburban feel, with a growing urban core.
Redmond
Redmond is synonymous with Microsoft's sprawling headquarters campus, and it is also home to gaming companies, aerospace and space technology firms, and suppliers that work with large tech clients. It has a quieter, more suburban character, with access to trails and parks.
Kirkland
Kirkland, on the lakefront between Bellevue and Redmond, hosts sizable engineering offices for large tech companies along with startups, and is known for its walkable downtown.
Beyond the core
- Everett and Renton: Long associated with aerospace manufacturing and engineering, plus related software and systems roles.
- Bothell: A cluster of biotech, medical device and tech companies.
- Tacoma: Growing tech and healthcare employers, with lower housing costs than Seattle.
Commuting between Seattle and the Eastside
Getting across Lake Washington is the defining commute question. The two main routes are the SR 520 bridge, which is tolled, and I-90. Traffic at peak hours can be heavy in both directions, since many people live in Seattle and work on the Eastside and vice versa. Sound Transit's light rail expansion to the Eastside, including service through Bellevue and Redmond, has been opening in phases, and its cross-lake connection is designed to link the Eastside directly with Seattle. Many large employers also run private commuter shuttles. Check current service before deciding where to live.
What kinds of tech jobs are available
- Software engineering: backend, frontend, full stack, mobile and embedded roles across every company size
- Cloud and infrastructure: cloud engineering, DevOps, SRE and networking, reflecting the region's cloud heritage
- AI and machine learning: applied science, ML engineering and AI research at large companies, research institutes and startups
- Data: data engineering, analytics and data science
- Product and design: product management, UX design and research
- Gaming: engineering, design and production at game studios and platforms
- Emerging tech: space, quantum computing, clean energy and biotech engineering
Tips for job seekers in the Seattle area
- Decide on location before you apply widely. A 45-minute cross-lake commute changes your quality of life. Consider which side of the lake you want to live on.
- Look beyond the biggest names. Mid-size companies and startups often move faster in hiring and may offer broader roles.
- Ask about hybrid policies. Many Seattle-area employers have set specific in-office expectations, and they vary widely.
- Use the local community. Meetups, university events and industry groups in Seattle and Bellevue are good for networking and learning which teams are hiring.
- Compare total compensation. Base salary, equity, bonus and benefits differ significantly between companies; compare the whole package.
Finding your fit
Whether you want the energy of South Lake Union, the polished towers of Bellevue or the campus feel of Redmond, the Puget Sound region offers a wide range of tech careers within a relatively small area.
Seattle Tech Jobs lists current technology openings in Seattle, Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland and across the Puget Sound, from software and cloud to AI, data and design. Browse the latest jobs and filter by the part of the region that suits you.