Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$34,000 vs $51,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$37,363 vs $31,481
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$33,146 vs $29,089
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $34,000 | $51,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $26,180 | $39,270▲ | -$13,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $43,520 | $65,280▲ | -$21,760 |
| 90th Percentile | $54,400 | $81,600▲ | -$27,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $37,363▲ | $31,481 | +$5,882 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $30,163 | $47,124▲ | -$16,961 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $33,146▲ | $29,089 | +$4,057 |
| Total Employment | 40,000 | 145,000 | -105,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $17,000 more (median: $34,000 vs $51,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($37,363 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.