Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$66,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$72,527 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$64,342 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $66,000 | $115,000▲ | -$49,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,000 | $88,000▲ | -$38,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,000 | $148,000▲ | -$64,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $103,000 | $180,000▲ | -$77,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $72,527▲ | $70,988 | +$1,539 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $58,551 | $106,260▲ | -$47,709 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $64,342 | $65,593▲ | -$1,251 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 32,000 | -4,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $49,000 more (median: $66,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($72,527 vs $70,988 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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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.