Project Manager · Salary Comparison · 2026
Project Manager Salary: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Project Managers in Boston, MA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$112,000 vs $122,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$69,136 vs $75,309
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$60,688 vs $69,585
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $112,000 | $122,000▲ | -$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,240 | $93,940▲ | -$7,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,360 | $156,160▲ | -$12,800 |
| 90th Percentile | $179,200 | $195,200▲ | -$16,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $69,136 | $75,309▲ | -$6,173 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $98,314 | $112,728▲ | -$14,414 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $60,688 | $69,585▲ | -$8,897 |
| Total Employment | 33,600 | 46,400 | -12,800 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $10,000 more (median: $112,000 vs $122,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($69,136 vs $75,309 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.