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