Accountant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Accountant Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Accountants in Atlanta, GA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$72,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$66,667 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$58,219 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $72,000 | $85,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,000 | $65,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,000 | $110,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $117,000 | $138,000▲ | -$21,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 162 | -54 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $66,667▲ | $52,469 | +$14,198 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $62,876 | $78,540▲ | -$15,664 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,219▲ | $48,481 | +$9,738 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 16,000 | +4,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $13,000 more (median: $72,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 162), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($66,667 vs $52,469 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.