Network Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Network Engineer Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Network Engineers in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$83,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$80,583 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$72,597 vs $66,163
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $83,000 | $116,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,910 | $89,320▲ | -$25,410 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,240 | $148,480▲ | -$42,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $132,800 | $185,600▲ | -$52,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $80,583▲ | $71,605 | +$8,978 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $74,775 | $107,184▲ | -$32,409 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $72,597▲ | $66,163 | +$6,434 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 87,000 | -49,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $33,000 more (median: $83,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($80,583 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.