Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$92,000 vs $139,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$101,099 vs $85,802
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$89,688 vs $79,281
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $92,000 | $139,000▲ | -$47,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,840 | $107,030▲ | -$36,190 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,760 | $177,920▲ | -$60,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $147,200 | $222,400▲ | -$75,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $101,099▲ | $85,802 | +$15,297 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $81,616 | $128,436▲ | -$46,820 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $89,688▲ | $79,281 | +$10,407 |
| Total Employment | 12,800 | 46,400 | -33,600 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $47,000 more (median: $92,000 vs $139,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($101,099 vs $85,802 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.