If you’re considering relocating to the Everett area, Boeing’s announcement that it’s opening its first-ever 737 production line here this summer is a concrete data point about where this city’s economy is headed.
The 737 North Line — a new assembly line opening at Boeing’s Everett factory campus in summer 2026 — adds hundreds of jobs to a campus that already employs over 30,000 people. For anyone evaluating Everett as a place to live and work, that context matters.
Everett and Boeing: The Relationship That Defines the City
Boeing has been the dominant economic force in Snohomish County for over 50 years. The Everett factory campus, off SR-526 near Paine Field, is the largest building by volume in the world. It’s been the final assembly site for the 747, 767, 777, 787 Dreamliner, and now the 777X — Boeing’s widebody jets. The plant, plus the aerospace supply chain that orbits it, employs a substantial share of Snohomish County’s workforce directly and supports tens of thousands more in indirect jobs.
The North Line adds something new to that mix: 737 MAX narrowbody production, which has historically been Renton’s domain. Bringing 737 assembly to Everett effectively diversifies the campus’s production portfolio and deepens the city’s dependency on — but also its value to — Boeing’s broader manufacturing strategy.
What This Means for the Job Market
Direct North Line jobs — production assemblers, electricians, inspectors, quality workers, shift supervisors — are the most visible impact. These are IAM District 751 union positions with wages set by the 2024 collective bargaining agreement, which includes 38% increases over four years. Entry-level assembler wages at Boeing are among the strongest in the region for workers without a four-year degree.
But the indirect impact reaches further. Aerospace suppliers — Spirit AeroSystems (fuselage components), Ducommun (structural components), Safran Cabin (interior systems), plus hundreds of smaller Paine Field-area contractors — will see increased demand as North Line production ramps. Tooling shops, maintenance contractors, catering services, and shuttle operators tied to the Boeing campus all feel a Boeing expansion.
Everett’s economy beyond Boeing is also growing. Mayor Cassie Franklin’s April 2026 State of the City specifically highlighted healthcare and clean-energy companies alongside aerospace as pillars of local economic growth. Everett’s waterfront is undergoing a $1 billion redevelopment — the Millwright District at Port of Everett’s Waterfront Place is expected to receive its first housing residents by 2026, with retail and commercial space following.
Housing and Cost of Living Context
Everett is one of the more affordable entry points in the greater Seattle metro area. Median home prices in Everett run significantly below Seattle and Bellevue — typically 30-40% lower — while still offering Sound Transit access (Sounder North commuter rail to Seattle), Interstate 5 access, and proximity to both the Boeing campus and the Port of Everett waterfront.
The North Line expansion will increase demand for housing near the Boeing campus — neighborhoods like Bayside, Silver Lake, and the areas north of Everett toward Mukilteo are popular with aerospace workers. The Millwright District’s new housing (200+ multi-family units under LPC West development) will add supply in a market that has needed it.
Schools and Family Infrastructure
Everett School District serves the city’s 114,000+ residents and is one of the larger districts in Snohomish County. The district has vocational and aerospace pathway programs — relevant for families with kids considering careers in the industry that dominates local employment. Everett Community College (EvCC) offers a strong aerospace manufacturing technology program that feeds directly into Boeing and supplier hiring pipelines.
Frequently Asked Questions — For People Considering a Move
Is Everett a good place to live if you work at Boeing?
Yes — Everett is the closest major city to the Boeing Everett factory campus, which sits just west of Paine Field off SR-526. Workers at the campus can often commute in under 20 minutes from Everett neighborhoods, avoiding the I-5 or I-405 grind. Housing costs are significantly lower than Seattle or Bellevue while still offering access to the full metro area.
What is the average salary for Boeing jobs at the Everett plant?
IAM District 751 production workers at Boeing earn wages set by the collective bargaining agreement. Under the 2024 contract, hourly rates for journey-level assemblers are in the $35-$50/hour range depending on classification and seniority, with overtime premium pay, full benefits, and pension. The 2024 contract included 38% wage increases over four years.
How far is Everett from Seattle?
Everett is approximately 25 miles north of Seattle via I-5 — about 30-45 minutes in off-peak traffic, 45-75 minutes in morning commute conditions. Sound Transit’s Sounder North commuter rail runs between Everett Station and King Street Station in Seattle on weekday commute schedules. Sound Transit light rail expansion is planned to eventually connect Everett to the broader Link network.
What neighborhoods are popular with Boeing workers near Everett?
Bayside (near the waterfront), Silver Lake, Mukilteo, and Lynnwood are popular with Boeing campus workers. Mukilteo is particularly close to the plant’s main SR-526 access. Marysville and Arlington (north of Everett) attract workers who want more space and lower prices at the cost of a longer drive.
Related Exploring Everett coverage: Boeing’s 737 North Line Is Coming to Everett This Summer | What the North Line Means for Boeing Workers
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