Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Dallas, TX vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Dallas, TX and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$145,000 vs $187,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Dallas, TX
$129,464 vs $115,432
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Dallas, TX
$119,625 vs $106,659
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Dallas, TX | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $145,000 | $187,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $111,650 | $143,990▲ | -$32,340 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,600 | $239,360▲ | -$53,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $232,000 | $299,200▲ | -$67,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $129,464▲ | $115,432 | +$14,032 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $133,980 | $172,788▲ | -$38,808 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $119,625▲ | $106,659 | +$12,966 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 46,400 | -18,400 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Dallas, TX minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $42,000 more (median: $145,000 vs $187,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Dallas, TX provides better purchasing power ($129,464 vs $115,432 equivalent). Dallas, TX 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.