Database Administrator · Salary Comparison · 2026
Database Administrator Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Database Administrators in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$80,000 vs $119,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$79,208 vs $73,457
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$68,980 vs $67,874
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $80,000 | $119,000▲ | -$39,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,600 | $91,630▲ | -$30,030 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,400 | $152,320▲ | -$49,920 |
| 90th Percentile | $128,000 | $190,400▲ | -$62,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $79,208▲ | $73,457 | +$5,751 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $69,670 | $109,956▲ | -$40,286 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,980▲ | $67,874 | +$1,106 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $39,000 more (median: $80,000 vs $119,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($79,208 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.