Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$94,000 vs $139,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$93,069 vs $85,802
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$81,051 vs $79,281
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $94,000 | $139,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,380 | $107,030▲ | -$34,650 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,320 | $177,920▲ | -$57,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $150,400 | $222,400▲ | -$72,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $93,069▲ | $85,802 | +$7,267 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $81,862 | $128,436▲ | -$46,574 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $81,051▲ | $79,281 | +$1,770 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $45,000 more (median: $94,000 vs $139,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($93,069 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.