Cybersecurity Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Cybersecurity Analyst Salary: Seattle, WA vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Cybersecurity Analysts in Seattle, WA and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$139,000 vs $111,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$85,802 vs $86,719
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$79,281 vs $76,602
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $139,000▲ | $111,000 | +$28,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,030▲ | $85,470 | +$21,560 |
| 75th Percentile | $177,920▲ | $142,080 | +$35,840 |
| 90th Percentile | $222,400▲ | $177,600 | +$44,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 128 | +34 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $85,802 | $86,719▲ | -$917 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $128,436▲ | $98,051 | +$30,385 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $79,281▲ | $76,602 | +$2,679 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 22,400 | +24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $28,000 more (median: $139,000 vs $111,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 128), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($85,802 vs $86,719 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.