Financial Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Analyst Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Analysts in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$98,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$91,589 vs $64,815
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$80,439 vs $59,889
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $98,000 | $105,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,000 | $78,000▲ | -$6,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,000 | $138,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $164,000 | $177,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $91,589▲ | $64,815 | +$26,774 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $86,070 | $97,020▲ | -$10,950 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $80,439▲ | $59,889 | +$20,550 |
| Total Employment | 18,000 | 10,000 | +8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $7,000 more (median: $98,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($91,589 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.