Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Detroit, MI vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Detroit, MI and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$70,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$78,652 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$69,585 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $70,000 | $115,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,000 | $88,000▲ | -$35,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,000 | $148,000▲ | -$58,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $110,000 | $180,000▲ | -$70,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 162 | -73 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $78,652▲ | $70,988 | +$7,664 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $61,931 | $106,260▲ | -$44,329 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $69,585▲ | $65,593 | +$3,992 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 32,000 | +3,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $45,000 more (median: $70,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 162), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($78,652 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.