Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$78,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$75,728 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$68,223 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $78,000 | $115,000▲ | -$37,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,000 | $88,000▲ | -$28,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $100,000 | $148,000▲ | -$48,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $122,000 | $180,000▲ | -$58,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $75,728▲ | $70,988 | +$4,740 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $70,270 | $106,260▲ | -$35,990 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,223▲ | $65,593 | +$2,630 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 32,000 | +3,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $37,000 more (median: $78,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($75,728 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.