Lawyer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Lawyer Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$182,000 vs $168,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$105,202 vs $103,704
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$88,166 vs $95,822
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $182,000▲ | $168,000 | +$14,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,000▲ | $118,000 | +$10,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $248,000▲ | $228,000 | +$20,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $328,000▲ | $302,000 | +$26,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $105,202▲ | $103,704 | +$1,498 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $152,528 | $155,232▲ | -$2,704 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $88,166 | $95,822▲ | -$7,656 |
| Total Employment | 18,000 | 5,000 | +13,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $14,000 more (median: $182,000 vs $168,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Los Angeles, CA provides better purchasing power ($105,202 vs $103,704 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
4More Lawyer City Comparisons
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.