Operations Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Operations Manager Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Operations Managers in Raleigh, NC and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$98,000 vs $133,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$95,146 vs $82,099
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$83,958 vs $75,859
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $98,000 | $133,000▲ | -$35,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,460 | $102,410▲ | -$26,950 |
| 75th Percentile | $125,440 | $170,240▲ | -$44,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $156,800 | $212,800▲ | -$56,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $95,146▲ | $82,099 | +$13,047 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $86,477 | $122,892▲ | -$36,415 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $83,958▲ | $75,859 | +$8,099 |
| Total Employment | 17,600 | 46,400 | -28,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $35,000 more (median: $98,000 vs $133,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($95,146 vs $82,099 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.