Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Salt Lake City, UT vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Salt Lake City, UT and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$72,000 vs $115,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$64,286 vs $70,988
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$56,638 vs $65,593
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Salt Lake City, UT | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $72,000 | $115,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $55,000 | $88,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,000 | $148,000▲ | -$56,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $112,000 | $180,000▲ | -$68,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 112 | 162 | -50 |
| State Income Tax | 4.65% | 0%▲ | +4.65% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $64,286 | $70,988▲ | -$6,702 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $63,434 | $106,260▲ | -$42,826 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $56,638 | $65,593▲ | -$8,955 |
| Total Employment | 18,000 | 32,000 | -14,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Salt Lake City, UT minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $43,000 more (median: $72,000 vs $115,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 112 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($64,286 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.