Salary & Cost of Living in Lake Stevens, WA
Lake Stevens, WA: $70,142 median salary, cost of living index 117.5, $16.28/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$70,142
$34/hr
Cost of Living
117.5
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$16.28
per hour
Unemployment
3.1%
rate
Lake Stevens, WA Overview
Population
41,120
Median Salary
$70,142
Average Salary
$78,559
Avg Commute
16 min
Median Home Price
$542,000
Median Rent
$2,189/mo
Job Growth
+2.6%
Sales Tax
6.5%
Lake Stevens is located in Washington with a population of 41,120. The median household salary is $70,142 per year ($34/hour), which is $10,758 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +2.6%.
Lake Stevens Salary by Experience Level (2026)
Wage distribution in Lake Stevens, WA based on BLS percentile breakdown of the $70,142 median salary. Entry-level represents 10th–25th percentile; mid-level is the median; senior-level represents 75th–90th percentile.
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Wage | Years Exp |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $43,488 | $20.91/hr | 0–2 years |
| Mid-Level (Median) | $70,142 | $33.72/hr | 3–7 years |
| Senior-Level | $99,602 | $47.88/hr | 8–15 years |
| Top 10% (90th Percentile) | $124,853 | $60.02/hr | 15+ years / leadership |
Percentile multipliers (62%, 100%, 142%, 178%) derived from 2024 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics distribution across all occupations in metro areas. Specific roles vary; see jobs by city for role-specific data.
Lake Stevens Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Lake Stevens, WA, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$57,731
$4,810.91/month · $2,220.42/biweekly · Effective Rate: 17.7%
Gross Pay
$70,142
Federal Tax
-$7,045
State Tax
$0
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$5,366
Net Pay
$57,731
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $5,845.17 | $70,142.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$587.10 | -$7,045.24 |
| Washington State Tax (0%) | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$362.40 | -$4,348.80 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$84.75 | -$1,017.06 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $4,810.91 | $57,730.90 |
Salary Comparison: Lake Stevens vs Other Cities
See how Lake Stevens's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Stevens, WA | $70,142 | 117.5 | $59,695 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $70,115 | 152.1 | $46,098 |
| Dundalk, MD | $70,112 | 114.3 | $61,340 |
| Herriman, UT | $70,176 | 104.3 | $67,283 |
| Manchester, CT | $70,099 | 118.1 | $59,356 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens's cost of living index is 117.5 (national average = 100). Living in Lake Stevens is 17.5% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$542,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,189
Annual Rent Cost
$26,268
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $57,731 annual take-home pay in Lake Stevens has the purchasing power of approximately $49,133 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $82,417 in Lake Stevens to match a $70,142 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Lake Stevens
Lake Stevens's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $70,142.
Salary Tips for Lake Stevens Workers
- No state income tax advantage. Washington has no state income tax, which means more of your paycheck stays in your pocket. Invest the savings in a Roth IRA or 401(k) for long-term growth.
- Research top industries. Lake Stevens's top industries include Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $70,142 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Lake Stevens, WA?
The median salary in Lake Stevens, WA is $70,142 per year, or $34 per hour. The average salary is $78,559. This is $10,758 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Lake Stevens, WA?
Lake Stevens's cost of living index is 117.5 (national average = 100), meaning it is 17.5% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $542,000 and the median monthly rent is $2,189.
What are the best industries in Lake Stevens?
The top industries in Lake Stevens, WA include Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture. The city has a job growth rate of 2.6% and an unemployment rate of 3.1%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $70,142.
How does Lake Stevens's salary compare to other cities?
Lake Stevens's median salary of $70,142 is 18.1% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 117.5), the real purchasing power is approximately $59,695.
What is the minimum wage in Lake Stevens, WA?
The minimum wage in Lake Stevens, WA is $16.28 per hour. This equals approximately $33,862 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $9.03 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.