Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Seattle, WA vs Boston, MA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Seattle, WA and Boston, MA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$170,000 vs $155,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$104,938 vs $95,679
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$96,963 vs $83,987
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Boston, MA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $170,000▲ | $155,000 | +$15,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,000▲ | $118,000 | +$12,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $218,000▲ | $200,000 | +$18,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $270,000▲ | $248,000 | +$22,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 5% | -5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $104,938▲ | $95,679 | +$9,259 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $157,080▲ | $136,059 | +$21,021 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $96,963▲ | $83,987 | +$12,976 |
| Total Employment | 58,000 | 42,000 | +16,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Boston, MA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $15,000 more (median: $170,000 vs $155,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($104,938 vs $95,679 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.