Accountant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Accountant Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Accountants in Salt Lake City, UT and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$65,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Salt Lake City, UT
$58,036 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Salt Lake City, UT
$51,131 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $65,000 | $85,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,000 | $65,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,000 | $110,000▲ | -$26,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $106,000 | $138,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $58,036▲ | $52,469 | +$5,567 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $57,267 | $78,540▲ | -$21,273 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $51,131▲ | $48,481 | +$2,650 |
| Total Employment | 9,000 | 16,000 | -7,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Salt Lake City, UT minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $20,000 more (median: $65,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Salt Lake City, UT provides better purchasing power ($58,036 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.