Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Raleigh, NC and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$103,000 vs $139,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$100,000 vs $85,802
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$88,242 vs $79,281
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $103,000 | $139,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,310 | $107,030▲ | -$27,720 |
| 75th Percentile | $131,840 | $177,920▲ | -$46,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $164,800 | $222,400▲ | -$57,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $100,000▲ | $85,802 | +$14,198 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $90,889 | $128,436▲ | -$37,547 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $88,242▲ | $79,281 | +$8,961 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 46,400 | -28,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $36,000 more (median: $103,000 vs $139,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($100,000 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.