Business Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Business Analyst Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Business Analysts 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
$82,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Salt Lake City, UT
$73,214 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$64,504 vs $66,163
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $82,000 | $116,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,140 | $89,320▲ | -$26,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,960 | $148,480▲ | -$43,520 |
| 90th Percentile | $131,200 | $185,600▲ | -$54,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,214▲ | $71,605 | +$1,609 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $72,245 | $107,184▲ | -$34,939 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,504 | $66,163▲ | -$1,659 |
| Total Employment | 27,000 | 87,000 | -60,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Salt Lake City, UT minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $34,000 more (median: $82,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Salt Lake City, UT provides better purchasing power ($73,214 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.