What Is a Good Salary in Washington?
A good salary in Washington is generally considered $90,000/year for a single person and $135,000/year for a family of four in 2026. The cost of living in Washington is meaningfully above the national average — requires a solid salary to live comfortably. No state income tax.
The median household income in Washington is $82,400, meaning half of all households earn more than this and half earn less. A “good” salary typically means earning comfortably above the median and being able to save, invest, and enjoy discretionary spending without financial stress.
Good Salary Thresholds in Washington (2026)
| Situation | Minimum Comfortable | Good | Excellent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single person | $67,500 | $90,000 | $125,999 |
| Couple (dual income) | $101,250 | $135,000 | $182,250 |
| Family of 4 | $121,500 | $155,250 | $209,250 |
Monthly Breakdown: Living on $90,000/Year in Washington
Here’s what your monthly finances might look like on $90,000/year in Washington:
| Item | Monthly Estimate |
|---|---|
| Gross Monthly Salary | $7,500 |
| Estimated Taxes (~25%) | -$1,875 |
| Estimated Take-Home | $5,625 |
| Average 1BR Rent in Washington | -$2,200 |
| Groceries (avg) | -$400 |
| Transportation | -$350 |
| Utilities & Internet | -$200 |
| Remaining (savings, fun, other) | $2,475 |
This illustrates why $90,000/year is a solid benchmark for comfortable living in Washington — it leaves room for both essentials and discretionary spending. However, Washington’s cost varies significantly between metro areas and rural communities.
Cost of Living in Washington: What to Know
Washington’s cost of living is meaningfully above the national average — requires a solid salary to live comfortably. Here are the key factors:
- Housing: Average 1-bedroom rent is approximately $2,200/month. Home prices vary widely — from $220,000 in rural areas to $880,000 in major metros.
- Taxes: No state income tax.
- Transportation: Public transit is available in major cities, reducing transportation costs.
- Healthcare: Healthcare costs vary by employer benefits. Uninsured costs are above average nationally.
Top Employers in Washington
The highest-paying jobs in Washington are concentrated with major employers including: Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks, Costco. These organizations consistently offer salaries at or above the state’s “good” threshold.
How to Know if Your Salary Is Good in Washington
A salary is generally “good” in Washington if it allows you to:
- Cover housing costs without spending more than 30% of gross income on rent/mortgage
- Build an emergency fund of 3–6 months of expenses
- Contribute 10–15% to retirement savings
- Afford transportation, food, healthcare, and some discretionary spending
- Pay off any debt within a reasonable timeframe
At $90,000/year single or $135,000/year for a family, these benchmarks are achievable in Washington.
High-Paying Jobs in Washington in 2026
If you’re looking to earn a “good” or “excellent” salary in Washington, these roles consistently pay well:
| Job Title | Average Salary in Washington |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | $115,200 |
| Physician | $202,500 |
| Pharmacist | $115,200 |
| Product Manager | $124,200 |
| Data Scientist | $133,200 |
| Financial Advisor | $99,000 |
| Nurse (RN) | $73,800 |
| Civil Engineer | $88,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good salary in Washington in 2026?
A good salary in Washington is approximately $90,000/year for a single professional or $135,000/year for a family. This allows comfortable living while saving for retirement and emergencies.
What is the median income in Washington?
The median household income in Washington is $82,400/year. Earning above this puts you in the upper half of income earners in the state.
Is $90,000 a good salary in Washington?
Yes — $90,000/year is considered a good salary for a single person in Washington. After taxes and typical living expenses, you would have meaningful room for savings and discretionary spending.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Washington?
The minimum comfortable salary for a single person in Washington is approximately $67,500/year. Below that, living expenses can become tight depending on your city and lifestyle.
How does Washington’s cost of living compare to national average?
Washington’s cost of living is meaningfully above the national average — requires a solid salary to live comfortably.
Related Resources
Data Sources
Income and cost-of-living data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, and Glassdoor.