Business Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Business Analyst Salary: San Francisco, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Business Analysts in San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$119,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$63,978 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$53,618 vs $66,163
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $119,000▲ | $116,000 | +$3,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,630▲ | $89,320 | +$2,310 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,320▲ | $148,480 | +$3,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,400▲ | $185,600 | +$4,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 186 | 162 | +24 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $63,978 | $71,605▲ | -$7,627 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $99,730 | $107,184▲ | -$7,454 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $53,618 | $66,163▲ | -$12,545 |
| Total Employment | 78,000 | 87,000 | -9,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Francisco, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $3,000 more (median: $119,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 186 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($63,978 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.