Computer Programmer Salary in Washington
Based on 3K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$125,620
$60.39/hr
vs National Average
$96,002
+30.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $166K
3K employed in Washington
The median Computer Programmer salary in Washington is $125,620 per year, significantly higher than the national average by 30.9%. With 2,540 individuals employed in this field within the state, Washington offers a robust market for software development professionals.
Several factors influence a Computer Programmer salary in Washington. These include experience level, specific programming languages and technologies mastered, the size and type of employer, and the geographic location within Washington. Specialized skills in high-demand areas can command higher compensation within the $84,760 to $166,400 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Computer Programmer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $84,760 |
| 25th percentile | $106,040 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $125,620 |
| 75th percentile | $142,440 |
| 90th percentile | $166,400 |
Top-Paying Industries for Computer Programmer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Computer Programmers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Computer Programmers in Washington tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $129,150 | 450 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $123,520 | 170 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $111,290 | 860 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $108,410 | 3K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $107,950 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Computer Programmer in Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $125,620 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,389 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $125,620 | $96,002 |
| 2026 (projected) | $129,389 | $98,882 |
Computer Programmer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $106,040 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $125,620 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $142,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $166,400 |
Computer Programmer Salary in Other States
Related Computer Programmer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Computer Programmer ($125,620 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Computer Programmer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in WA | $209,370 | +66.7% | $100.66/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in WA | $202,400 | +61.1% | $97.31/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in WA | $169,120 | +34.6% | $81.31/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in WA | $168,070 | +33.8% | $80.80/hr |
| Software Developer in WA | $166,540 | +32.6% | $80.07/hr |
| Data Scientist in WA | $163,350 | +30.0% | $78.53/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in WA | $154,940 | +23.3% | $74.49/hr |
| Multimedia Artist and Animator in WA | $133,480 | +6.3% | $64.17/hr |
| Web and Digital Interface Designer in WA | $130,480 | +3.9% | $62.73/hr |
| Web Developer in WA | $130,440 | +3.8% | $62.71/hr |
| Computer Systems Analyst in WA | $129,410 | +3.0% | $62.22/hr |
| Software Engineer in WA | $128,940 | +2.6% | $61.99/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Computer Programmer in Washington?
- In Washington, the salary range for Computer Programmers typically falls between $84,760 and $166,400 annually. This broad spectrum reflects the varied experience levels and specialized skill sets within the profession.
How does the Computer Programmer salary in Washington compare to the national average?
- Computer Programmer salaries in Washington are notably higher than the national average, exceeding it by 30.9%. This means professionals in Washington can expect to earn substantially more than their counterparts across the country.
What is the median salary for a Computer Programmer in Washington?
- The median Computer Programmer salary in Washington is $125,620 per year. This figure represents the midpoint of what programmers in the state are earning, with half making more and half making less.
How many Computer Programmers are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 2,540 Computer Programmers employed in Washington. This number indicates a significant presence of this profession within the state's tech landscape.