Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Raleigh, NC vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Raleigh, NC and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$125,000 vs $170,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Raleigh, NC
$121,359 vs $104,938
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Raleigh, NC
$107,090 vs $96,963
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $125,000 | $170,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,000 | $130,000▲ | -$34,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $162,000 | $218,000▲ | -$56,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $200,000 | $270,000▲ | -$70,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $121,359▲ | $104,938 | +$16,421 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $110,303 | $157,080▲ | -$46,777 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $107,090▲ | $96,963 | +$10,127 |
| Total Employment | 22,000 | 58,000 | -36,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Raleigh, NC minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $45,000 more (median: $125,000 vs $170,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Raleigh, NC provides better purchasing power ($121,359 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.