Salary Comparison

Systems Administrator Salary:
Washington DC, DC vs Los Angeles, CA

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

Washington DC, DC
$126,098
/ year
+2%
difference
Los Angeles, CA
$123,044
/ year
Bottom line: Los Angeles offers better purchasing power despite Washington DC paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Washington DC
Los Angeles
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$126,098✓ higher
$123,044
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$81,547✓ higher
$79,572
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$194,988✓ higher
$190,266
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$86,820✓ higher
$84,977
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$88,801
$89,162✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
1.38×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$81,547✓ higher
$79,572
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$194,988✓ higher
$190,266

What if you move from Washington DC to Los Angeles?

Gross salary change
$3,054
2% decrease
Take-home change
$1,843
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$361
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

Washington DC, DC$126,098
P10: $81,547Median: $126,098P90: $194,988
Los Angeles, CA$123,044
P10: $79,572Median: $123,044P90: $190,266

More Systems Administrator salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Systems Administrator earn more in Washington DC or Los Angeles?

The median Systems Administrator salary in Washington DC, DC is $126,098/yr compared to $123,044/yr in Los Angeles, CA. Washington DC pays 2% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Systems Administrator salary worth more in Washington DC or Los Angeles after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Washington DC salary has the purchasing power of $88,801/yr in a median-cost city, vs $89,162/yr for Los Angeles. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Systems Administrator in Washington DC vs Los Angeles?

After estimated taxes, a Systems Administrator in Washington DC, DC takes home approximately $86,820/yr, vs $84,977/yr in Los Angeles, CA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.