Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: San Diego, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in San Diego, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$119,000 vs $139,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$78,289 vs $85,802
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$65,612 vs $79,281
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Diego, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $119,000 | $139,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $91,630 | $107,030▲ | -$15,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $152,320 | $177,920▲ | -$25,600 |
| 90th Percentile | $190,400 | $222,400▲ | -$32,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 152 | 162 | -10 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $78,289 | $85,802▲ | -$7,513 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $99,730 | $128,436▲ | -$28,706 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,612 | $79,281▲ | -$13,669 |
| Total Employment | 19,200 | 46,400 | -27,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Diego, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $20,000 more (median: $119,000 vs $139,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 152 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($78,289 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.