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Network and Computer Systems Administrators Salary in Washington: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Network and Computer Systems Administrators 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
$103,910
Median annual (2025)
-8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$94,635
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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators earning $103,910 in Washington has the equivalent purchasing power of $94,635 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) $67,500 $61,475 $-6,024
25th Percentile (P25) $82,800 $75,409 $-7,390
Median (P50) $103,910 $94,635 $-9,274
75th Percentile (P75) $127,740 $116,338 $-11,401
90th Percentile (P90) $154,620 $140,819 $-13,800
Key Insight

While $103,910 sounds high, Washington's elevated cost of living erases 9% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $94,635. 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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators 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 $103,910 median salary translates to $94,636 in real terms — a 8.9% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Network and Computer Systems Administrators.

Below-Median Adjusted Pay

#30 / 51

Washington's rank of #30 of 51 states means real purchasing power for Network and Computer Systems Administrators trails the national half-way line.

Best States for Network and Computer Systems Administrators (After Cost of Living)

Where does Network and Computer Systems Administrators salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$112,657
RPP 105.0
$107,355
RPP 102.1
3. Nevada
$107,302
RPP 96.4
$107,003
RPP 108.8
5. Ohio
$106,633
RPP 91.5
$104,268
RPP 97.7
7. Texas
$103,835
RPP 97.5
$101,444
RPP 109.4
9. Georgia
$101,430
RPP 95.8
10. Utah
$101,396
RPP 94.5

Washington ranks #30 out of 51 states for Network and Computer Systems Administrators after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Network and Computer Systems Administrators take-home pay in Washington after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Network and Computer Systems Administrators in Washington after cost of living?

A Network and Computer Systems Administrators in Washington earns a median salary of $103,910 per year. After adjusting for Washington's cost of living (RPP=109.8), the real purchasing power is $94,635 — 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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators in Washington: $103,910 x (100 / 109.8) = $94,635. 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 Network and Computer Systems Administrators's nominal salary of $103,910 in Washington has 8.9% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $94,635. However, Washington may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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