Technology Tacoma, WA Pop. 219,346

Systems Administrator Salary in Tacoma, Washington

The median systems administrator salary in Tacoma, WA is $103,468 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median and 3.9% below the Washington state average.

City Median
$103,468
vs State Avg
$-4,241
vs National
+$18,658
Cost of Living
110%

Systems Administrator Pay in Tacoma: What to Expect (2026)

Tacoma offers a median systems administrator salary of $103,468, which is $4,241 below the Washington state average of $107,709. Compared to the national median of $84,810, Tacoma pays above average for this role.

Tacoma's cost of living is 110% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for systems administrators in Tacoma spans from $63,440 at the 10th percentile to $161,040 at the 90th percentile — a $97,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $67,100, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $152,500. With a population of 219,346, Tacoma is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Systems Administrator Salary in Tacoma by Experience

In Tacoma, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $67,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,100
+$12,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$104,920
+$18,920 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,500
+$27,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tacoma, WA

Percentile Tacoma
10th Percentile $63,440
25th Percentile $81,740
Median (50th) $103,468
75th Percentile $131,760
90th Percentile $161,040

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Washington Cities

Bellevue, WA
$139,088
Pop. 151,854
Seattle, WA
$135,696
Pop. 737,015
Vancouver, WA
$96,683
Pop. 190,915
Spokane, WA
$88,202
Pop. 228,989

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Tacoma

Education

Most systems administrator positions require a bachelor's degree. Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook

Nationally, systems administrator employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Tacoma may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Tacoma

Browse open systems administrator positions in Tacoma, WA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Tacoma

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Tacoma, WA? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Tacoma, Washington is $103,468 per year, which is 22.0% above the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $63,440 (10th percentile) to $161,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Tacoma? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,468, a systems administrator in Tacoma earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tacoma compare to the Washington state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Tacoma's median systems administrator salary of $103,468 is 3.9% below the Washington state average of $107,709. The local cost of living index is 110% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tacoma, WA? ▼
Tacoma has a cost of living index of 110% compared to the national average. This means a systems administrator salary of $103,468 in Tacoma has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Tacoma? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Tacoma require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, Networking. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.