College Professor · Salary Comparison · 2026
College Professor Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for College Professors in Atlanta, GA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$69,000 vs $94,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$63,889 vs $58,025
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$55,793 vs $53,615
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $69,000 | $94,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,130 | $72,380▲ | -$19,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,320 | $120,320▲ | -$32,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $110,400 | $150,400▲ | -$40,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 162 | -54 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $63,889▲ | $58,025 | +$5,864 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,256 | $86,856▲ | -$26,600 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $55,793▲ | $53,615 | +$2,178 |
| 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 $25,000 more (median: $69,000 vs $94,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 162), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($63,889 vs $58,025 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.