Registered Nurse · Salary Comparison · 2026
Registered Nurse Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Registered Nurses in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$115,000 vs $108,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$70,988 vs $66,667
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$65,593 vs $58,520
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $115,000▲ | $108,000 | +$7,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,000▲ | $82,000 | +$6,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $148,000▲ | $138,000 | +$10,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $180,000▲ | $168,000 | +$12,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $70,988▲ | $66,667 | +$4,321 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $106,260▲ | $94,802 | +$11,458 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $65,593▲ | $58,520 | +$7,073 |
| Total Employment | 32,000 | 38,000 | -6,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $7,000 more (median: $115,000 vs $108,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($70,988 vs $66,667 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.