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First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives Salary in Washington: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 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
$136,280
Median annual (2025)
-8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$124,116
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 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives earning $136,280 in Washington has the equivalent purchasing power of $124,116 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) $105,710 $96,275 $-9,434
25th Percentile (P25) $125,800 $114,571 $-11,228
Median (P50) $136,280 $124,116 $-12,163
75th Percentile (P75) $161,310 $146,912 $-14,397
90th Percentile (P90) $180,770 $164,635 $-16,134
Key Insight

While $136,280 sounds high, Washington's elevated cost of living erases 9% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $124,116. 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 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives 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 $136,280 median salary translates to $124,117 in real terms — a 8.9% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives.

Top-Quartile Adjusted Earnings in Washington

#8 / 51

Ranked on COL-adjusted median pay for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives, Washington places #8 of 51 states — top quartile. Either nominal wages run high, cost of living runs low, or both.

Best States for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives (After Cost of Living)

Where does First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$145,742
RPP 112.5
2. Nevada
$137,033
RPP 96.4
3. Alaska
$134,627
RPP 102.0
$133,755
RPP 98.0
$133,346
RPP 101.3
$131,424
RPP 108.8
7. Hawaii
$126,886
RPP 110.8
$124,116
RPP 109.8
$123,958
RPP 102.3
10. Minnesota
$121,545
RPP 97.7

Washington ranks #8 out of 51 states for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives take-home pay in Washington after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives in Washington after cost of living?

A First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives in Washington earns a median salary of $136,280 per year. After adjusting for Washington's cost of living (RPP=109.8), the real purchasing power is $124,116 — 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 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives in Washington: $136,280 x (100 / 109.8) = $124,116. 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 First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives's nominal salary of $136,280 in Washington has 8.9% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $124,116. However, Washington may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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