Washington state is home to Microsoft, Amazon, and countless tech companies, making it one of the nation's premier IT job markets. With no state income tax and world-class tech employers, Washington offers exceptional opportunities for A+ certified professionals.
20-30%
Above National Avg
High
Cost of Living
$98,000+
Top Earners
0%
State Income Tax
📈 Stock Compensation Advantage: Tech giants like Microsoft, Amazon, and Google (Kirkland) offer significant stock grants to IT staff. A $60K base salary at these companies often includes $15,000-$50,000+ in annual stock vesting, making total compensation substantially higher than advertised base pay.
Salary by Experience Level
Washington offers some of the highest A+ salaries in the nation, second only to California's Bay Area in many cases.
Entry Level
$50,000 - $60,000
0-2 years experience
Mid-Career
$62,000 - $75,000
3-5 years experience
Senior Level
$78,000 - $92,000
6-10 years experience
Top Earners
$98,000+
10+ years or tech giants
Salary by Location in Washington
The Seattle metro area dominates, but other regions offer opportunities with lower living costs:
Year 8+: Senior roles at tech giants → $130K-$200K+ total comp
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average CompTIA A+ salary in Washington state?
The average CompTIA A+ salary in Washington ranges from $50,000 for entry-level to $98,000+ for senior professionals in 2026. Seattle metro and Eastside (Bellevue/Redmond) typically pay 20-30% above the state average.
Do Microsoft and Amazon hire CompTIA A+ certified professionals?
Yes, both Microsoft and Amazon have large IT support operations in Washington. These roles often include stock grants worth $15,000-$50,000+ annually, making total compensation significantly higher than base salary suggests.
Is Washington state good for IT careers?
Washington is one of the best states for IT careers. It offers no state income tax, the highest concentration of tech giants outside California, and competitive salaries. The Seattle area has more IT jobs per capita than most US metros.