Network Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Network Engineer Salary: Detroit, MI vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Network Engineers in Detroit, MI and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$73,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$82,022 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$72,567 vs $66,163
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $73,000 | $116,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,210 | $89,320▲ | -$33,110 |
| 75th Percentile | $93,440 | $148,480▲ | -$55,040 |
| 90th Percentile | $116,800 | $185,600▲ | -$68,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 162 | -73 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $82,022▲ | $71,605 | +$10,417 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $64,585 | $107,184▲ | -$42,599 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $72,567▲ | $66,163 | +$6,404 |
| Total Employment | 22,500 | 87,000 | -64,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $43,000 more (median: $73,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 162), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($82,022 vs $71,605 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.