Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Boston, MA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$78,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$48,148 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$42,264 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $78,000 | $85,000▲ | -$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,060 | $65,450▲ | -$5,390 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,840 | $108,800▲ | -$8,960 |
| 90th Percentile | $124,800 | $136,000▲ | -$11,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $48,148 | $52,469▲ | -$4,321 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $68,468 | $78,540▲ | -$10,072 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $42,264 | $48,481▲ | -$6,217 |
| Total Employment | 63,000 | 87,000 | -24,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $7,000 more (median: $78,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($48,148 vs $52,469 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.