Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Seattle, WA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Seattle, WA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$170,000 vs $140,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$104,938 vs $112,903
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$96,963 vs $104,323
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $170,000▲ | $140,000 | +$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,000▲ | $108,000 | +$22,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $218,000▲ | $182,000 | +$36,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $270,000▲ | $225,000 | +$45,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 124 | +38 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $104,938 | $112,903▲ | -$7,965 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $157,080▲ | $129,360 | +$27,720 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $96,963 | $104,323▲ | -$7,360 |
| Total Employment | 58,000 | 38,000 | +20,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $30,000 more (median: $170,000 vs $140,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($104,938 vs $112,903 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.