Computer Systems Analysts Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Computer Systems Analysts in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV make a median of $126,170 a year, or about $60.66 an hour. The range runs from $79K at the entry level to $197K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $115,880 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $2,246/month — about 30.2% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $126K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About computer systems analysts
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level computer systems analysts (10th percentile) start around $79K. Mid-career wages sit at $126K.Top earners bring in $197K or more - a $118K spread from bottom to top.
Computer Systems Analysts pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $128K | +23% | 55,460 |
| Washington | $127K | +23% | 18,230 |
| New Jersey | $124K | +19% | 17,290 |
| Massachusetts | $122K | +17% | 16,650 |
| District of Columbia | $114K | +10% | 1,590 |
| Virginia | $114K | +9% | 22,730 |
| Rhode Island | $113K | +9% | 1,560 |
| Oregon | $111K | +7% | 5,030 |
| Minnesota | $107K | +3% | 10,580 |
| Connecticut | $106K | +2% | 6,050 |
| New York | $106K | +2% | 20,950 |
| Texas | $105K | +1% | 48,150 |
| North Carolina | $105K | +1% | 25,350 |
| Delaware | $104K | +0% | 2,940 |
| Alabama | $104K | -0% | 6,830 |
Track computer systems analysts salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do computer systems analysts make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $126,170 a year - that works out to about $60.66 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $78,540, and experienced computer systems analysts can clear $196,900. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $126K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,426/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 30.2% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a computer systems analysts salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (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 systems analysts salary is worth about $115,880 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do computer systems analysts 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.