Accountant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Accountant Salary: Detroit, MI vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Accountants in Detroit, MI and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$62,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$69,663 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$61,633 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $62,000 | $85,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,000 | $65,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,000 | $110,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $101,000 | $138,000▲ | -$37,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 162 | -73 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $69,663▲ | $52,469 | +$17,194 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $54,853 | $78,540▲ | -$23,687 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $61,633▲ | $48,481 | +$13,152 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 16,000 | -4,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $23,000 more (median: $62,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 162), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($69,663 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.