Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: San Francisco, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in San Francisco, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ San Francisco, CA
$175,000 vs $170,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$94,086 vs $104,938
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$78,851 vs $96,963
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | San Francisco, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $175,000▲ | $170,000 | +$5,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,000▲ | $130,000 | +$5,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $225,000▲ | $218,000 | +$7,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $280,000▲ | $270,000 | +$10,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 186 | 162 | +24 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $94,086 | $104,938▲ | -$10,852 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $146,662 | $157,080▲ | -$10,418 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $78,851 | $96,963▲ | -$18,112 |
| Total Employment | 52,000 | 58,000 | -6,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = San Francisco, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, San Francisco, CA pays $5,000 more (median: $175,000 vs $170,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 186 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($94,086 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.