Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Nashville, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Nashville, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$97,000 vs $139,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Nashville, TN
$88,182 vs $85,802
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Nashville, TN
$81,480 vs $79,281
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $97,000 | $139,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $74,690 | $107,030▲ | -$32,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,160 | $177,920▲ | -$53,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $155,200 | $222,400▲ | -$67,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 110 | 162 | -52 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $88,182▲ | $85,802 | +$2,380 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $89,628 | $128,436▲ | -$38,808 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $81,480▲ | $79,281 | +$2,199 |
| Total Employment | 14,400 | 46,400 | -32,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Nashville, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $42,000 more (median: $97,000 vs $139,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 110 vs 162), Nashville, TN provides better purchasing power ($88,182 vs $85,802 equivalent). Nashville, TN 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.