Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Boston, MA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$108,000 vs $119,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$66,667 vs $73,457
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$58,520 vs $67,874
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $108,000 | $119,000▲ | -$11,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,160 | $91,630▲ | -$8,470 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,240 | $152,320▲ | -$14,080 |
| 90th Percentile | $172,800 | $190,400▲ | -$17,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $66,667 | $73,457▲ | -$6,790 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $94,802 | $109,956▲ | -$15,154 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,520 | $67,874▲ | -$9,354 |
| Total Employment | 33,600 | 46,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $11,000 more (median: $108,000 vs $119,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($66,667 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.