Accountant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Accountant Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Accountants in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$78,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$72,897 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$64,022 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $78,000 | $85,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,000 | $65,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,000 | $110,000▲ | -$9,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $127,000 | $138,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $72,897▲ | $52,469 | +$20,428 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $68,504 | $78,540▲ | -$10,036 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,022▲ | $48,481 | +$15,541 |
| Total Employment | 25,000 | 16,000 | +9,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $7,000 more (median: $78,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($72,897 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.