Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$58,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$57,426 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$50,010 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $58,000 | $85,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,660 | $65,450▲ | -$20,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,240 | $108,800▲ | -$34,560 |
| 90th Percentile | $92,800 | $136,000▲ | -$43,200 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $57,426▲ | $52,469 | +$4,957 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $50,510 | $78,540▲ | -$28,030 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $50,010▲ | $48,481 | +$1,529 |
| Total Employment | 21,000 | 87,000 | -66,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $27,000 more (median: $58,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($57,426 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.