College Professor · Salary Comparison · 2026
College Professor Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for College Professors 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
$66,000 vs $94,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Salt Lake City, UT
$58,929 vs $58,025
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$51,918 vs $53,615
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $66,000 | $94,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,820 | $72,380▲ | -$21,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,480 | $120,320▲ | -$35,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $105,600 | $150,400▲ | -$44,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $58,929▲ | $58,025 | +$904 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $58,148 | $86,856▲ | -$28,708 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $51,918 | $53,615▲ | -$1,697 |
| 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 $28,000 more (median: $66,000 vs $94,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Salt Lake City, UT provides better purchasing power ($58,929 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.