Most professions in the Tri-Cities pay average wages higher than the national average for those roles, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 

The overall average wage in the Kennewick-Richland metropolitan statistical area was an average of $34.43 per hour in May 2024, according to the report issued on May 15. Of the identified categories, those working in management have the best average salary at $74.21 per hour, about $6 more than the national average. 

Many other professions, ranging from office and administrative support to construction workers, also enjoy wages higher than the national average, usually by at least a dollar or two. 

Three sectors in the region have wages roughly on par with the national average: those working in computer and mathematical jobs receive $56.95 per hour on average, less than a $1 above the national rate. Transportation workers only get 21 cents more than $23.44 per hour on average nationally. And local farmers and foresters are on par with their colleagues across the country at an average of $20.10 per hour. 

And then there are those working in professions paying less than the national average. Salespeople earn about $1.50 below the national average of $26 per hour. Graphic designers, videographers and others working in media earn on average $33.69 per hour, about $3 below the national average.  

Lawyers, though, have the greatest gap between what they make on average in the Tri-Cities versus the rest of the country. While still among the highest paid professions at $53.12 per hour, legal professionals make nearly $13 less on average per hour compared to the national average.