Financial Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Analyst Salary: Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Analysts in Denver, CO 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
✓ Denver, CO
$70,313 vs $64,815
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Denver, CO
$62,110 vs $59,889
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | 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 | 128 | 162 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $70,313▲ | $64,815 | +$5,498 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $79,501 | $97,020▲ | -$17,519 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $62,110▲ | $59,889 | +$2,221 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 10,000 | -2,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO 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 128 vs 162), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($70,313 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.