Financial Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Analyst Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Analysts in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$105,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$60,694 vs $64,815
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$50,865 vs $59,889
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000▲ | $105,000 | — |
| 25th Percentile | $78,000▲ | $78,000 | — |
| 75th Percentile | $138,000▲ | $138,000 | — |
| 90th Percentile | $177,000▲ | $177,000 | — |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $60,694 | $64,815▲ | -$4,121 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $87,997 | $97,020▲ | -$9,023 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $50,865 | $59,889▲ | -$9,024 |
| Total Employment | 20,000 | 10,000 | +10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $0 more (median: $105,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($60,694 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.