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Audio and Video Technicians Salary in Washington: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Audio and Video Technicians salary really buy you in Washington?

Washington is 9.8% pricier than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$69,270
Median annual (2025)
-8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$63,087
COL-adjusted (RPP=109.8)

Washington Cost of Living Index

Washington's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 109.8, meaning prices are 9.8% higher the national average. A Audio and Video Technicians earning $69,270 in Washington has the equivalent purchasing power of $63,087 in an average-cost US state.

WA: 109.8
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Washington's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $49,900 $45,446 $-4,453
25th Percentile (P25) $57,720 $52,568 $-5,151
Median (P50) $69,270 $63,087 $-6,182
75th Percentile (P75) $84,680 $77,122 $-7,557
90th Percentile (P90) $121,740 $110,874 $-10,865
Key Insight

While $69,270 sounds high, Washington's elevated cost of living erases 9% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $63,087. Consider whether the higher pay offsets the higher costs.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Washington Is a High-Cost State

RPP 109.8

Washington's RPP of 109.8 puts it 9.8% above the national baseline cost of living. A Audio and Video Technicians needs that premium in nominal pay just to maintain the same purchasing power as an average-cost state.

Meaningful Purchasing-Power Shift

-8.9%

After applying Washington's RPP, the $69,270 median salary translates to $63,087 in real terms — a 8.9% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Audio and Video Technicians.

Top-Quartile Adjusted Earnings in Washington

#5 / 49

Ranked on COL-adjusted median pay for Audio and Video Technicians, Washington places #5 of 49 states — top quartile. Either nominal wages run high, cost of living runs low, or both.

Best States for Audio and Video Technicians (After Cost of Living)

Where does Audio and Video Technicians salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$67,555
RPP 116.6
$66,704
RPP 105.0
$65,294
RPP 108.8
4. Nevada
$65,114
RPP 96.4
$63,087
RPP 109.8
$62,825
RPP 107.6
$62,419
RPP 93.4
$61,193
RPP 104.7
$60,918
RPP 98.0
10. Alaska
$60,843
RPP 102.0

Washington ranks #5 out of 49 states for Audio and Video Technicians after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Audio and Video Technicians take-home pay in Washington after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Audio and Video Technicians in Washington after cost of living?

A Audio and Video Technicians in Washington earns a median salary of $69,270 per year. After adjusting for Washington's cost of living (RPP=109.8), the real purchasing power is $63,087 — a -8.9% difference.

Is Washington expensive to live in?

Washington's cost of living is 9.8% higher than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Washington is 109.8 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Audio and Video Technicians in Washington: $69,270 x (100 / 109.8) = $63,087. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Does the high cost of living in Washington offset the salary?

Partially — a Audio and Video Technicians's nominal salary of $69,270 in Washington has 8.9% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $63,087. However, Washington may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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