Financial Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Analyst Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Analysts in Atlanta, GA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$90,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$83,333 vs $64,815
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$72,773 vs $59,889
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $90,000 | $105,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,000 | $78,000▲ | -$12,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,000 | $138,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $152,000 | $177,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 162 | -54 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $83,333▲ | $64,815 | +$18,518 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $78,595 | $97,020▲ | -$18,425 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $72,773▲ | $59,889 | +$12,884 |
| Total Employment | 14,000 | 10,000 | +4,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $15,000 more (median: $90,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 162), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($83,333 vs $64,815 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.