Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Boston, MA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$171,000 vs $187,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$105,556 vs $115,432
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$92,657 vs $106,659
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $171,000 | $187,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $131,670 | $143,990▲ | -$12,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $218,880 | $239,360▲ | -$20,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $273,600 | $299,200▲ | -$25,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $105,556 | $115,432▲ | -$9,876 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $150,104 | $172,788▲ | -$22,684 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $92,657 | $106,659▲ | -$14,002 |
| Total Employment | 33,600 | 46,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $16,000 more (median: $171,000 vs $187,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($105,556 vs $115,432 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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.