Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: New York, NY vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in New York, NY and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$168,000 vs $170,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$89,840 vs $104,938
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$77,326 vs $96,963
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $168,000 | $170,000▲ | -$2,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $128,000 | $130,000▲ | -$2,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $215,000 | $218,000▲ | -$3,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $265,000 | $270,000▲ | -$5,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 187 | 162 | +25 |
| State Income Tax | 6.85% | 0%▲ | +6.85% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $89,840 | $104,938▲ | -$15,098 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $144,599 | $157,080▲ | -$12,481 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $77,326 | $96,963▲ | -$19,637 |
| Total Employment | 68,000 | 58,000 | +10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = New York, NY minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $2,000 more (median: $168,000 vs $170,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 187 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($89,840 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.