Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$141,000 vs $187,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$131,776 vs $115,432
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$115,734 vs $106,659
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $141,000 | $187,000▲ | -$46,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,570 | $143,990▲ | -$35,420 |
| 75th Percentile | $180,480 | $239,360▲ | -$58,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $225,600 | $299,200▲ | -$73,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $131,776▲ | $115,432 | +$16,344 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $123,835 | $172,788▲ | -$48,953 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $115,734▲ | $106,659 | +$9,075 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 46,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $46,000 more (median: $141,000 vs $187,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($131,776 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.