Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$165,000 vs $187,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$95,376 vs $115,432
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$79,931 vs $106,659
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $165,000 | $187,000▲ | -$22,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,050 | $143,990▲ | -$16,940 |
| 75th Percentile | $211,200 | $239,360▲ | -$28,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $264,000 | $299,200▲ | -$35,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $95,376 | $115,432▲ | -$20,056 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $138,281 | $172,788▲ | -$34,507 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $79,931 | $106,659▲ | -$26,728 |
| Total Employment | 38,400 | 46,400 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $22,000 more (median: $165,000 vs $187,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($95,376 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.