Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$61,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$59,223 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$53,354 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $61,000 | $85,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,970 | $65,450▲ | -$18,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,080 | $108,800▲ | -$30,720 |
| 90th Percentile | $97,600 | $136,000▲ | -$38,400 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $59,223▲ | $52,469 | +$6,754 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $54,955 | $78,540▲ | -$23,585 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $53,354▲ | $48,481 | +$4,873 |
| Total Employment | 37,500 | 87,000 | -49,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $24,000 more (median: $61,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($59,223 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.