Business Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Business Analyst Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Business Analysts in Atlanta, GA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$85,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$78,704 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$68,730 vs $66,163
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $85,000 | $116,000▲ | -$31,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,450 | $89,320▲ | -$23,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,800 | $148,480▲ | -$39,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $136,000 | $185,600▲ | -$49,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 162 | -54 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $78,704▲ | $71,605 | +$7,099 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,228 | $107,184▲ | -$32,956 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,730▲ | $66,163 | +$2,567 |
| Total Employment | 45,000 | 87,000 | -42,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $31,000 more (median: $85,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 162), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($78,704 vs $71,605 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.