Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$127,000 vs $187,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$125,743 vs $115,432
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$109,505 vs $106,659
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $127,000 | $187,000▲ | -$60,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,790 | $143,990▲ | -$46,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,560 | $239,360▲ | -$76,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $203,200 | $299,200▲ | -$96,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $125,743▲ | $115,432 | +$10,311 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $110,600 | $172,788▲ | -$62,188 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $109,505▲ | $106,659 | +$2,846 |
| Total Employment | 11,200 | 46,400 | -35,200 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $60,000 more (median: $127,000 vs $187,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($125,743 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.