Business Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Business Analyst Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Business Analysts in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$102,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$58,960 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$49,412 vs $66,163
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $102,000 | $116,000▲ | -$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,540 | $89,320▲ | -$10,780 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,560 | $148,480▲ | -$17,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $163,200 | $185,600▲ | -$22,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $58,960 | $71,605▲ | -$12,645 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $85,483 | $107,184▲ | -$21,701 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $49,412 | $66,163▲ | -$16,751 |
| Total Employment | 72,000 | 87,000 | -15,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $14,000 more (median: $102,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($58,960 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.