Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$75,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$43,353 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$36,332 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $75,000 | $85,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,750 | $65,450▲ | -$7,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,000 | $108,800▲ | -$12,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $120,000 | $136,000▲ | -$16,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $43,353 | $52,469▲ | -$9,116 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $62,855 | $78,540▲ | -$15,685 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $36,332 | $48,481▲ | -$12,149 |
| Total Employment | 72,000 | 87,000 | -15,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $10,000 more (median: $75,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($43,353 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.