Washington Salary Percentile
Calculator
Washington State has the highest minimum wage in the country and a strong technology sector anchored by Amazon, Microsoft, and a dense startup ecosystem. No state income tax makes take-home pay favorable for high earners.
Enter your gross annual salary (pre-tax). Hourly workers: multiply hourly rate by 2,080.
Washington salary percentiles — 2024
| Percentile | Washington | National |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $19K | $15K |
| 25th | $33K | $26K |
| 50th (median)median | $74K | $59K |
| 75th | $122K | $97K |
| 90th | $182K | $145K |
| 95th | $251K | $200K |
| 99th | $439K | $350K |
State figures derived from BLS OEWS 2024 state median. National figures from BLS national percentile data.
Key insight
Washington has no state income tax, and its state median of $74K is among the highest in the US — 25% above the national median, driven by Seattle tech wages.
Washington salary — frequently asked questions
What is the median salary in Washington State?
The median annual salary in Washington State is approximately $74K based on 2024 BLS data, well above the national median. The Seattle metro, anchored by Amazon and Microsoft, drives wages significantly higher than eastern Washington or smaller cities.
What salary do you need in Seattle?
Financial planners suggest $90,000-$110,000 for comfortable single living in Seattle without roommates. The city's tech boom has driven rents to $2,500-$3,500/month for a one-bedroom. In Spokane or Yakima, $60,000-$70,000 provides a comparable lifestyle at lower cost.
Does Washington State have income tax?
No. Washington State has no personal income tax, which is a significant advantage for high earners. A tech worker earning $200,000 in Seattle saves $12,000-$18,000 per year compared to the equivalent salary in California. Washington does have a capital gains tax on income above $250,000 introduced in 2023.
How much do Amazon and Microsoft employees earn on average?
Amazon and Microsoft together employ over 100,000 workers in Washington State. Median total compensation (salary plus stock) at these firms runs $180,000-$250,000 for software engineers at mid-level positions. These concentrations of high-earners pull the Seattle median well above the national average.
Salary percentiles by state
Alabama
$48K median
Alaska
$62K median
Arizona
$58K median
Arkansas
$46K median
California
$72K median
Colorado
$67K median
Connecticut
$70K median
Delaware
$62K median
Florida
$55K median
Georgia
$55K median
Hawaii
$60K median
Idaho
$52K median
Illinois
$62K median
Indiana
$52K median
Iowa
$55K median
Kansas
$52K median
Kentucky
$49K median
Louisiana
$48K median
Maine
$55K median
Maryland
$68K median
Massachusetts
$75K median
Michigan
$55K median
Minnesota
$64K median
Mississippi
$43K median
Missouri
$52K median
Montana
$50K median
Nebraska
$55K median
Nevada
$55K median
New Hampshire
$68K median
New Jersey
$70K median
New Mexico
$49K median
New York
$68K median
North Carolina
$56K median
North Dakota
$55K median
Ohio
$54K median
Oklahoma
$48K median
Oregon
$63K median
Pennsylvania
$58K median
Rhode Island
$62K median
South Carolina
$50K median
South Dakota
$48K median
Tennessee
$52K median
Texas
$58K median
Utah
$60K median
Vermont
$57K median
Virginia
$65K median
Washington
$74K median
Washington D.C.
$85K median
West Virginia
$44K median
Wisconsin
$57K median
Wyoming
$55K median