Software Developer Salary in Tacoma, WA (2026)
Software developers design, build, and test computer programs and applications. Includes software engineers, full-stack developers, and back-end developers.
Median Annual Salary
$181,040
in Tacoma · BLS OEWS
Real Purchasing Power
$160,595
adjusted for local cost of living
National Rank
#6
among cities with BLS data
Software Developers in Tacoma
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Tacoma, WA is $181,040 per year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. This works out to approximately $15,087/month or $87/hour.
Compared to the median across all surveyed cities ($135,190), Tacoma pays 34% more than the typical city.
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 112.7 (US average = 100), so higher local costs reduce your real purchasing power. In inflation-adjusted terms, $181,040 in Tacoma is equivalent to $160,595 in a city at the US average cost of living.
BLS wage data is collected at the metropolitan statistical area (MSA) level, so this figure represents the Tacoma metro area, not just the city itself.
Top 10 Cities for Software Developers by Salary
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berkeley, CA | $187,840 |
| 2 | San Francisco, CA | $187,840 |
| 3 | Oakland, CA | $187,840 |
| 4 | Boulder, CO | $186,270 |
| 5 | Bellevue, WA | $181,040 |
| 6 | Tacoma, WAYou are here | $181,040 |
| 7 | Seattle, WA | $181,040 |
| 8 | Titusville, FL | $175,170 |
| 9 | Palm Bay, FL | $175,170 |
| 10 | Melbourne, FL | $175,170 |
Source: BLS OEWS · Metro-level data
Other Occupations in Tacoma
| Occupation | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $120,260 |
| Elementary School Teacher | $97,740 |
| Electrician | $100,230 |
| Accountant | $106,100 |
Full cost of living profile for Tacoma
See median rent, home values, cost of living index, air quality, and more for Tacoma.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median Software Developer salary in Tacoma?
The median annual salary for a Software Developer in Tacoma, WA is $181,040 per year, according to BLS OEWS data.
How does Tacoma Software Developer pay compare nationally?
Tacoma Software Developer pay ($181,040) is 34% above the median across surveyed cities ($135,190).
Does cost of living affect Software Developer salaries in Tacoma?
Yes. Tacoma has a cost of living index of 112.7 (US average = 100). After adjusting for local prices, a $181,040 salary in Tacoma has the purchasing power of approximately $160,595 in an average-cost city.
Data last updated: June 1, 2026 · Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) · Methodology