Medical Assistant · Salary Comparison · 2026
Medical Assistant Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Medical Assistants in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$33,000 vs $51,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$36,667 vs $31,481
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$32,840 vs $29,089
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $33,000 | $51,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,410 | $39,270▲ | -$13,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $42,240 | $65,280▲ | -$23,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $52,800 | $81,600▲ | -$28,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $36,667▲ | $31,481 | +$5,186 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $29,556 | $47,124▲ | -$17,568 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $32,840▲ | $29,089 | +$3,751 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 145,000 | -110,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $18,000 more (median: $33,000 vs $51,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($36,667 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.