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