Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$55,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$61,111 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$54,733 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $55,000 | $85,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,350 | $65,450▲ | -$23,100 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,400 | $108,800▲ | -$38,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $88,000 | $136,000▲ | -$48,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $61,111▲ | $52,469 | +$8,642 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $49,260 | $78,540▲ | -$29,280 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $54,733▲ | $48,481 | +$6,252 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 87,000 | -66,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $30,000 more (median: $55,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($61,111 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.