What the data says about frontend developer pay in Washington
Monthly take-home on that median is roughly US$9,400; local prices sit at COL 100, so its buying power is about US$134,400.
Washington vs the national and DC picture
San Jose leads at US$166,670, 24% above Washington, while Portland sits at US$73,920. The neighbours in the ranking are San Francisco and Seattle.
With Washington as the sole DC entry for frontend developers, the useful benchmarks are national: 3rd of 19, +45% vs the median.
Cost of living and take-home in Washington
Living costs are close to the baseline (COL index 100), so the median's buying power, about US$134,400, is near its face value.
Its place holds after a cost-of-living adjustment — 3rd of 19 either way.
Run the median through our simplified tax model (16% effective) and about US$9,400 lands each month. Budget US$1,650 for a modeled 1-bedroom — 18% of pay — and other modeled costs, and roughly US$5,950 remains.
If you compared Washington with similarly priced cities
In New York — similar cost level, COL 100 — the median is US$104,820 (-22% vs Washington), and the modeled budget leaves US$1,900 less each month.
In Los Angeles — similar cost level, COL 100 — the median is US$107,290 (-20% vs Washington), and the modeled budget leaves US$1,740 less each month.
In Chicago — similar cost level, COL 100 — the median is US$96,870 (-28% vs Washington), and the modeled budget leaves US$2,420 less each month.
Where Frontend Developer ranks among Washington jobs
Of the 9 roles we track in Washington, Frontend Developer is 3rd by median; the highest is Lawyer (US$195,190).
Closest neighbours in the Washington list: Software Engineer at US$154,930 (+15%) and Data Scientist at US$132,200 (-2%).
Entry-level vs senior frontend developer pay in Washington
Washington is relatively stronger at the entry end: its 10th-percentile pay (US$84,580) ranks 2nd of 19, while its 90th percentile (US$184,050) ranks 3rd.
For the top 10% of earners, San Jose leads with US$233,990 at the 90th percentile, +27% against Washington.
Spread between low and high frontend developer pay in Washington
Pay is spread out: US$84,580 at the 10th percentile to US$184,050 at the 90th (2.2×). Level and setting matter more than the city average here.