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Average Computer Programmers Salary in Washington

Computer Programmers in Washington State command an impressive average annual salary of $159,090, significantly surpassing the national average of $105,010. This substantial premium is largely driven by the state's robust technology sector, high demand for skilled professionals, and the concentration of major tech companies that often set higher compensation benchmarks.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $159,090 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $235,740.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 3,220 Computer Programmers and a Location Quotient of 1.28, Washington demonstrates a notable concentration of this profession relative to the national average. This suggests a healthy and potentially growing job market for programmers, indicating that demand likely outstrips the general national trend, providing a stable environment for career opportunities.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$159,090

The average Computer Programmers in Washington earns+51.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$76.5

Weekly

$3,059

Monthly

$13,258

Computer Programmers Salary Distribution in Washington

Salary progression for Computer Programmers in Washington typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior and lead programmers, with specialized skills and extensive project experience, can command salaries well above the average, potentially reaching into the top percentiles and reflecting substantial career advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$89,040$42.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$119,318$57.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$158,820$76.4
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$198,863$95.6
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$235,740$113.3

Detailed Computer Programmers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$159,090

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$138,219

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the nominal average salary of $159,090 is very attractive, it's crucial to consider Washington's Cost of Living Index of 115.1. This indicates that living expenses are approximately 15.1% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the gross income is high, the purchasing power needs to be evaluated against these elevated costs for a true understanding of financial well-being.

Job Market Context

3,220

Total Jobs

0.91

Per 1K Jobs

1.28

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.28, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Computer Programmers roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.28 signifies that Computer Programmers are 28% more concentrated in Washington than in the average U.S. state. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where the presence of numerous tech companies creates ample opportunities, but also means a significant pool of talent is vying for these positions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Computer Programmers

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Computer Programmers Salary$167,380↑ 5%42 mi
Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Computer Programmers Salary$99,120↓ 38%54 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

Hiring Computer Programmerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Computer Programmers make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Computer Programmers in Washington is $159,090. This typically ranges from $89,040 for entry-level positions to $235,740 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 51.5% higher than the national median of $105,010.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Computer Programmerss?

Yes, Washington is a highly lucrative state for Computer Programmers.The average salary of $159,090 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of tech jobs (LQ of 1.28) further supports strong earning potential.

Is Washington a good place to live for Computer Programmers?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($167,380) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.

How does the average programmer salary in Washington compare to the national average?

Computer Programmers in Washington earn an average of $159,090 annually, which is substantially higher than the national average of $105,010.

What is the Cost of Living in Washington compared to the rest of the US?

Washington has a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, meaning it is approximately 15.1% more expensive to live there than the national average.

How concentrated is the Computer Programmer job market in Washington?

Washington has a Location Quotient of 1.28 for Computer Programmers, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

How many Computer Programmers are there in Washington?

The total local workforce for Computer Programmers in Washington State is approximately 3,220 individuals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,220 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 0.91 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Programmers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington