Network Engineer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Network Engineer Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Network Engineers in Raleigh, NC and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$85,000 vs $116,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$82,524 vs $71,605
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$72,821 vs $66,163
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $85,000 | $116,000▲ | -$31,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,450 | $89,320▲ | -$23,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $108,800 | $148,480▲ | -$39,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $136,000 | $185,600▲ | -$49,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $82,524▲ | $71,605 | +$10,919 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $75,006 | $107,184▲ | -$32,178 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $72,821▲ | $66,163 | +$6,658 |
| Total Employment | 33,000 | 87,000 | -54,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $31,000 more (median: $85,000 vs $116,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($82,524 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.