Computer Network Architects Salary
Computer Network Architects in Washington make a median of $168,070 a year, or about $80.81 an hour. The range runs from $94K at the entry level to $225K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 102.01), that's roughly $164,758 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,830/month, or 16.9% of estimated take-home pay.
Statewide average. Salary and cost of living vary significantly across Washington. Jump to a metro for precise data:
So what does $168K get you in Washington?
About computer network architects
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What this looks like in Washington
Washington sits well above the national pay line for computer network architects, local pay runs about 25% higher than the U.S. median of $134K. Housing is manageable: a 2-bedroom at the HUD median costs $1,830/month, 17.5% of take-home, well inside the 30% guideline. Cost of living (RPP 102.01) is near the national average, so spending patterns here track the typical American budget fairly closely. Combined with manageable housing costs, Washington offers a genuinely strong financial position for computer network architectss at the median.
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington
Entry-level computer network architects (10th percentile) start around $94K. Mid-career wages sit at $168K. Top earners bring in $225K or more, a $131K spread from bottom to top.
Computer Network Architects salary by metro in Washington
5 metro areas with BLS data, ranked by median pay
| Metro area | Median salary | vs. state | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue | $173K | +3% | 3,710 |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard | $169K | +0% | 40 |
| Kennewick-Richland | $141K | -16% | 70 |
| Spokane-Spokane Valley | $130K | -22% | 120 |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater | $118K | -30% | 250 |
Compare to other states
Track computer network architects salary changes
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Frequently asked questions
Can a computer network architect afford a 2BR apartment alone in Washington?
Yes — at the median salary of $168K, rent takes 17.5% of take-home pay. A 2-bedroom at the HUD Fair Market Rent runs $1,830/month. That stays under the 30% guideline most financial planners use.
What’s the entry-level salary for computer network architects in Washington?
The 10th-percentile wage — what new computer network architects typically earn — is $94K/year. Take-home on that works out to about $5,617/month. At HUD’s $1,830/month FMR, rent would take 33% of that take-home — above the 30% guideline, so a 1-bedroom or shared housing is likely necessary starting out.
Is computer network architect a high-paying job in Washington?
Local pay is 25% above the national median — $168K here vs. $134K nationally.
How does Washington compare to the national average for computer network architects?
Washington pays $168K median vs. the U.S. average of $134K — that’s +25%. After adjusting for local cost of living (RPP 102.01), the purchasing-power equivalent is $165K — still ahead of the national median.
How much do computer network architects make in Washington?
The median is $168,070 a year, that works out to about $81 an hour. But the range is wide: entry-level workers start around $93,610, and experienced computer network architects can clear $224,910. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $168K enough to live in Washington?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $10,469/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,830/month, which eats 17.5% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a computer network architects salary go in Washington?
Washington has a Regional Price Parity of 102.01 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median computer network architects salary is worth about $164,758 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do computer network architects get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.