What is a Good Salary in Redmond, Washington?

What is a Good Salary in Redmond, Washington?

Expert Analysis from Tony Meier, Windermere Real Estate Northeast

Introduction

Determining a “good” salary in Redmond, Washington, is a nuanced task shaped by the city’s thriving tech economy, high cost of living, and rapidly evolving local real estate market. As a long-standing broker with more than three decades of experience in Eastside real estate, Tony Meier has guided hundreds of clients through housing and career transitions in Redmond. This deep dive explores—in precise, up-to-date detail—how much income it truly takes to thrive in Redmond today, and what factors should guide your financial expectations when buying, renting, or relocating.

Redmond’s Economic Profile

Redmond, known as a Pacific Northwest tech hub, is home to industry giants like Microsoft and an ecosystem of software startups, life sciences, and global commerce. This has contributed to above-average salaries citywide, robust job growth, and some of King County’s highest household incomes. However, with opportunity comes higher living costs: Redmond’s cost of living exceeds national and Washington state averages by a substantial margin.

Median and Average Incomes – 2025 Data

In 2025, the most recent statistics reveal the following about Redmond income levels:

• Average individual salary: Between $81,600 and $104,000 annually, depending on the data source and sampling method.

• Median household income: Ranges from $155,000 to $162,800, highlighting the prevalence of dual-income households, especially among homeowners and professionals.

• Earnings distribution: The 25th percentile of workers earn close to $59,000, while those in the 75th percentile reach $104,800 and above. Highly skilled tech professionals, especially those in leadership or specialized engineering roles, frequently earn above $175,000, with the top earners in Redmond exceeding $200,000 per year.ziprecruiter+9​

Assessing Cost of Living

Cost of living is the defining factor in establishing what qualifies as a “good” salary:

• Housing: Median home prices in Redmond in 2025 typically range from $900,000 to $1,200,000 for a single-family house. Rent for a modest two-bedroom apartment averages $2,800 per month, with one-bedrooms regularly exceeding $2,100–$2,500. Mortgage payments or rent alone can consume $3,000 to $6,000 per month for most families.indexyard+3​

• Utilities, groceries, and transportation: Non-housing essentials run 10–40% above US norms. For a household of four, monthly costs (excluding rent or mortgage) can land between $2,000 and $3,000.

• Total required income: Research indicates that a couple would require about $5,200 per month (before taxes) for a comfortable, non-extravagant lifestyle—excluding children, large debts, or ambitious savings. For families with kids or single-earner households, that number climbs considerably.salary+3​

What Salary Supports a Comfortable Life?

Based on the above, Tony Meier recommends these benchmarks:

• Single professionals: $85,000–$115,000 annually allows for a stable, mid-market rental, modest savings, and room for discretionary expenses.

• Young families (with or without one child): $140,000–$180,000 in combined household income typically sustains a home purchase and daily living with some buffer for childcare, activities, and future planning.

• Dual-income tech households or career-focused couples: $180,000 or more paves the way for purchasing a home in the $1M+ range, private schooling options, maxed-out retirement contributions, and robust savings strategies.

• Upper-tier comfort: Households earning $200,000 to $250,000+ enjoy additional flexibility—larger homes, more frequent travel, and faster wealth accumulation.

It’s vital to recognize that “good” is subjective. If you intend to buy a home, factor in down payment savings, property taxes, and HOA fees, which can be substantial in newer Eastside communities. Renters need to weigh stability against potential annual rent increases and limited control over housing costs.

Context: How Redmond Compares

Redmond’s salary expectations are significantly higher than the U.S. norm, with the median U.S. household income in 2025 hovering around $80,000. Redmond’s is roughly double that, underscoring the area’s affluence but also the necessity for higher income to participate comfortably in the local economy. Tech salaries can skew averages upward, so not every resident enjoys a six-figure wage, but many households—especially in the homebuying market—do.

Gender and Age Disparities

Income data shows substantial earning differences tied to gender and age bracket:

• Men: Average annual earnings are over $125,000.

• Women: Average just under $70,000, rarely exceeding $100,000 unless working in specific high-paying fields.

• Highest-earning age group: Primary householders aged 45–64, with median incomes exceeding $190,000, often reflecting two experienced earners.

Impact of Education and Industry

Education significantly boosts earnings potential in Redmond, especially with a bachelor’s or advanced degree in STEM or business fields. Residents with graduate degrees report average annual compensation of $175,000 (men) and $99,000 (women). Redmond’s labor force is anchored by major tech, biotech, and professional services employers, offering career mobility for those with in-demand skills and education.

Downtime and Discretionary Spending

Beyond basics, what you consider “good” may include leisure, travel, and savings. Many professionals in Redmond prioritize proximity to nature, outdoor amenities, and access to world-class schools. A higher salary increases the likelihood of enjoying these benefits without financial strain.

The Expert Perspective: Tony Meier’s Take

According to Tony Meier, who has helped hundreds of families transition to the Redmond area:

“A good salary in Redmond is one that meets your household’s needs, leaves room for savings and flexibility, and aligns with your long-term goals. For most, this means targeting an annual income well above $100,000. If you’re aiming to buy, plan for at least $150,000 or more in combined income. Ultimately, every move is unique—so take the time to run the numbers, explore neighborhoods, and don’t hesitate to reach out to an expert who knows the Eastside market inside and out.”

Conclusion

A “good” salary in Redmond, Washington in 2025 generally starts around $100,000 for single professionals and climbs to $150,000–$200,000+ for families aspiring to own a home and live comfortably. The key is realistic financial planning and understanding the local economic landscape. As always, connect with trusted real estate and financial experts before making your next move in Redmond.

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Author: Tony Meier
Windermere Real Estate Northeast
11411 NE 124th St #110
Kirkland WA 98052
Phone: 425-466-1000
Web: Eastsidehomes.com