Physician · Salary Comparison · 2026
Physician Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Physicians in Atlanta, GA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$215,000 vs $248,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$199,074 vs $153,086
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$173,846 vs $141,452
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $215,000 | $248,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $161,000 | $186,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $282,000 | $325,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $350,000 | $402,000▲ | -$52,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 162 | -54 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $199,074▲ | $153,086 | +$45,988 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $187,754 | $229,152▲ | -$41,398 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $173,846▲ | $141,452 | +$32,394 |
| Total Employment | 10,000 | 9,000 | +1,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $33,000 more (median: $215,000 vs $248,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 162), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($199,074 vs $153,086 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.