Financial Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Analyst Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Analysts in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$80,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$87,912 vs $64,815
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$77,990 vs $59,889
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $80,000 | $105,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,000 | $78,000▲ | -$19,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,000 | $138,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $134,000 | $177,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $87,912▲ | $64,815 | +$23,097 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $70,971 | $97,020▲ | -$26,049 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $77,990▲ | $59,889 | +$18,101 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 10,000 | -2,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $25,000 more (median: $80,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($87,912 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.