Investment Banker · Salary Comparison · 2026
Investment Banker Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Investment Bankers in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$187,000 vs $171,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$115,432 vs $105,556
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$106,659 vs $92,657
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $187,000▲ | $171,000 | +$16,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $143,990▲ | $131,670 | +$12,320 |
| 75th Percentile | $239,360▲ | $218,880 | +$20,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $299,200▲ | $273,600 | +$25,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $115,432▲ | $105,556 | +$9,876 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $172,788▲ | $150,104 | +$22,684 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $106,659▲ | $92,657 | +$14,002 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 33,600 | +12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $16,000 more (median: $187,000 vs $171,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($115,432 vs $105,556 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.