Financial Analyst · Salary Comparison · 2026
Financial Analyst Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Financial Analysts in Salt Lake City, UT and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$82,000 vs $105,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Salt Lake City, UT
$73,214 vs $64,815
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Salt Lake City, UT
$64,504 vs $59,889
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $82,000 | $105,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,000 | $78,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,000 | $138,000▲ | -$31,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $138,000 | $177,000▲ | -$39,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $73,214▲ | $64,815 | +$8,399 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $72,245 | $97,020▲ | -$24,775 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,504▲ | $59,889 | +$4,615 |
| Total Employment | 7,000 | 10,000 | -3,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Salt Lake City, UT minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $23,000 more (median: $82,000 vs $105,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Salt Lake City, UT provides better purchasing power ($73,214 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.