Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$139,000 vs $127,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$85,802 vs $78,395
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$79,281 vs $68,815
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $139,000▲ | $127,000 | +$12,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,030▲ | $97,790 | +$9,240 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,920▲ | $162,560 | +$15,360 |
| 90th Percentile | $222,400▲ | $203,200 | +$19,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,802▲ | $78,395 | +$7,407 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $128,436▲ | $111,481 | +$16,955 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $79,281▲ | $68,815 | +$10,466 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 33,600 | +12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $12,000 more (median: $139,000 vs $127,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($85,802 vs $78,395 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.