Pharmacist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Pharmacist Salary: Seattle, WA vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Pharmacists in Seattle, WA and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$122,000 vs $97,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$75,309 vs $75,781
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$69,585 vs $66,941
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $122,000▲ | $97,000 | +$25,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $93,940▲ | $74,690 | +$19,250 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,160▲ | $124,160 | +$32,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $195,200▲ | $155,200 | +$40,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 128 | +34 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $75,309 | $75,781▲ | -$472 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $112,728▲ | $85,684 | +$27,044 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $69,585▲ | $66,941 | +$2,644 |
| Total Employment | 46,400 | 22,400 | +24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $25,000 more (median: $122,000 vs $97,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 128), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($75,309 vs $75,781 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.