Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Denver, CO and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$149,000 vs $187,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$116,406 vs $115,432
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$102,827 vs $106,659
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $149,000 | $187,000▲ | -$38,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $114,730 | $143,990▲ | -$29,260 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,720 | $239,360▲ | -$48,640 |
| 90th Percentile | $238,400 | $299,200▲ | -$60,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 162 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $116,406▲ | $115,432 | +$974 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $131,618 | $172,788▲ | -$41,170 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $102,827 | $106,659▲ | -$3,832 |
| Total Employment | 22,400 | 46,400 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $38,000 more (median: $149,000 vs $187,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 162), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($116,406 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.