Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Denver, CO vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Denver, CO and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$135,000 vs $170,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$105,469 vs $104,938
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$93,165 vs $96,963
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $135,000 | $170,000▲ | -$35,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,000 | $130,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $175,000 | $218,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $218,000 | $270,000▲ | -$52,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 128 | 162 | -34 |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 0%▲ | +4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $105,469▲ | $104,938 | +$531 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $119,251 | $157,080▲ | -$37,829 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,165 | $96,963▲ | -$3,798 |
| Total Employment | 28,000 | 58,000 | -30,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Denver, CO minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $35,000 more (median: $135,000 vs $170,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 128 vs 162), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($105,469 vs $104,938 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.