Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Raleigh, NC and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$68,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$66,019 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$58,257 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $68,000 | $115,000▲ | -$47,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,000 | $88,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,000 | $148,000▲ | -$61,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $106,000 | $180,000▲ | -$74,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $66,019 | $70,988▲ | -$4,969 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $60,005 | $106,260▲ | -$46,255 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $58,257 | $65,593▲ | -$7,336 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 32,000 | -10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $47,000 more (median: $68,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($66,019 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.