Business Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Business Analyst Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Business Analysts in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$75,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$83,333 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$74,636 vs $66,163
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $75,000 | $116,000▲ | -$41,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,750 | $89,320▲ | -$31,570 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,000 | $148,480▲ | -$52,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,000 | $185,600▲ | -$65,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $83,333▲ | $71,605 | +$11,728 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $67,172 | $107,184▲ | -$40,012 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $74,636▲ | $66,163 | +$8,473 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 87,000 | -66,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $41,000 more (median: $75,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($83,333 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.