Salaries in Tacoma, WA

You might assume Tacoma is just Seattle’s cheaper cousin, but here’s the twist: its median household income of $89,107 is actually higher than the national median, and it’s doing it with a lower unemployment rate (4.2%) than most big coastal cities. In 2026, this place is quietly punching above its weight.

But let’s talk real purchasing power. Tacoma’s cost of living index sits at 113.0—about 13% above the US average. A one-bedroom apartment runs you $1,603 a month. That means the city’s average salary of $72,488 feels different on the ground. After COL adjustment, that average drops to $64,149. It’s not a steal, but it’s also not the wallet-crushing grind you see in Seattle proper. You can live here on a single income, but you’re not getting rich quick.

So who’s actually thriving? The data points to the usual suspects: tech, healthcare, and construction. Software developers are pulling in around $132,000, but after adjusting for costs, it’s closer to $117,000. Pharmacist pay is strong at $141,000 (COL-adjusted $125,000), which makes sense given the Port of Tacoma and the healthcare networks like MultiCare and Franciscan Health. Construction managers are also doing well ($112,430) as the city’s waterfront and infrastructure projects keep rolling. There’s a real undercurrent of blue-collar-meets-tech here.

Here’s my honest take: wages are growing, but they’re just barely keeping pace with housing costs. If you’re in marketing or project management, Tacoma can be a sweet spot—your salary stretches further than in Seattle. But for folks in lower-wage sectors? It’s getting tight. The city’s 35.7% bachelor’s degree rate suggests a skilled workforce, but not everyone’s sharing in the top-tier salaries.

The breakdown below will show you exactly where the money is—and where it isn’t.