Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Boston, MA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$47,000 vs $51,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$29,012 vs $31,481
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$25,467 vs $29,089
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $47,000 | $51,000▲ | -$4,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,190 | $39,270▲ | -$3,080 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,160 | $65,280▲ | -$5,120 |
| 90th Percentile | $75,200 | $81,600▲ | -$6,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $29,012 | $31,481▲ | -$2,469 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $41,257 | $47,124▲ | -$5,867 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $25,467 | $29,089▲ | -$3,622 |
| Total Employment | 105,000 | 145,000 | -40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $4,000 more (median: $47,000 vs $51,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($29,012 vs $31,481 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.