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