Salaries & Take-Home Pay in Tacoma, Washington
Tacoma's deep-water port is one of the largest on the US West Coast, driving a massive logistics and warehousing sector. MultiCare and CHI Franciscan are among the Puget Sound's largest healthcare employers, while manufacturing and defense contractors at Joint Base Lewis-McChord provide high-wage technical employment.
The average salary in Tacoma is approximately $64,000/year. Because Washington has no state income tax, Tacoma workers keep significantly more of their paycheck than counterparts in high-tax states. On the average Tacoma salary, a single filer owes an estimated $5,500 in federal income tax (8.6% effective rate) plus $3,968 Social Security and $928 Medicare — a combined total of ~$10,396.
This leaves an estimated annual take-home of $53,604 — approximately $4,467/month or $2,062 per bi-weekly paycheck (before optional 401k and health insurance deductions).
Typical Tacoma Salary Breakdown (single filer, no extra deductions)
Industries & Employers in Tacoma
Tacoma's economy is driven by Port & Logistics, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Defense. Major employers include MultiCare Health System, CHI Franciscan Health, Schnitzer Steel, Pacific Coast Warehouses, BNSF Railway.
Cost of Living in Tacoma
Tacoma's cost of living is moderate — near the national average. Tacoma's moderate cost of living, combined with Washington's zero state income tax, creates a favorable financial environment. A $53,604 take-home pays provides purchasing power close to the national average while saving thousands versus high-tax states.