College Professor · Salary Comparison · 2026
College Professor Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for College Professors in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$67,000 vs $94,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$65,049 vs $58,025
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$58,602 vs $53,615
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $67,000 | $94,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,590 | $72,380▲ | -$20,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,760 | $120,320▲ | -$34,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $107,200 | $150,400▲ | -$43,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $65,049▲ | $58,025 | +$7,024 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,360 | $86,856▲ | -$26,496 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,602▲ | $53,615 | +$4,987 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 87,000 | -49,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $27,000 more (median: $67,000 vs $94,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($65,049 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.