Dental Hygienist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Dental Hygienist Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Dental Hygienists in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$50,000 vs $77,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$55,556 vs $47,531
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$49,758 vs $43,919
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $50,000 | $77,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,500 | $59,290▲ | -$20,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,000 | $98,560▲ | -$34,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,000 | $123,200▲ | -$43,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $55,556▲ | $47,531 | +$8,025 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $44,782 | $71,148▲ | -$26,366 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $49,758▲ | $43,919 | +$5,839 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 145,000 | -110,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $27,000 more (median: $50,000 vs $77,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($55,556 vs $47,531 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.