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Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation Salary in Washington: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation 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
$47,360
Median annual (2025)
-8.9%
Real Purchasing Power
$43,132
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 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation earning $47,360 in Washington has the equivalent purchasing power of $43,132 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) $40,870 $37,222 $-3,647
25th Percentile (P25) $41,610 $37,896 $-3,713
Median (P50) $47,360 $43,132 $-4,227
75th Percentile (P75) $54,530 $49,663 $-4,866
90th Percentile (P90) $65,640 $59,781 $-5,858
Key Insight

While $47,360 sounds high, Washington's elevated cost of living erases 9% of that salary's purchasing power. Your real buying power is $43,132. 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 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation 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 $47,360 median salary translates to $43,133 in real terms — a 8.9% loss. That difference can cover several months of expenses over a year for a Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation.

Below-Median Adjusted Pay

#33 / 44

Washington's rank of #33 of 44 states means real purchasing power for Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation trails the national half-way line.

Best States for Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation (After Cost of Living)

Where does Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$57,568
RPP 109.4
$56,922
RPP 88.7
$55,295
RPP 98.0
4. Ohio
$54,710
RPP 91.5
5. Kansas
$54,544
RPP 90.0
6. Wyoming
$53,525
RPP 91.9
$52,895
RPP 89.8
8. Iowa
$52,873
RPP 88.4
9. Indiana
$52,832
RPP 91.8
$52,636
RPP 88.0

Washington ranks #33 out of 44 states for Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation take-home pay in Washington after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation in Washington after cost of living?

A Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation in Washington earns a median salary of $47,360 per year. After adjusting for Washington's cost of living (RPP=109.8), the real purchasing power is $43,132 — 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 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation in Washington: $47,360 x (100 / 109.8) = $43,132. 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 Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation's nominal salary of $47,360 in Washington has 8.9% less purchasing power due to higher living costs. The real value is $43,132. However, Washington may offer better career opportunities, networking, and industry access.

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