Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Indianapolis, IN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$54,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$60,000 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$53,693 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $54,000 | $85,000▲ | -$31,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,580 | $65,450▲ | -$23,870 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,120 | $108,800▲ | -$39,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $86,400 | $136,000▲ | -$49,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $60,000▲ | $52,469 | +$7,531 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $48,324 | $78,540▲ | -$30,216 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $53,693▲ | $48,481 | +$5,212 |
| Total Employment | 22,500 | 87,000 | -64,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $31,000 more (median: $54,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($60,000 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.