Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Atlanta, GA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$87,000 vs $119,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$80,556 vs $73,457
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$70,347 vs $67,874
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $87,000 | $119,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,990 | $91,630▲ | -$24,640 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,360 | $152,320▲ | -$40,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $139,200 | $190,400▲ | -$51,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 162 | -54 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $80,556▲ | $73,457 | +$7,099 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $75,975 | $109,956▲ | -$33,981 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $70,347▲ | $67,874 | +$2,473 |
| Total Employment | 24,000 | 46,400 | -22,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $32,000 more (median: $87,000 vs $119,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 162), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($80,556 vs $73,457 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.