Software Developer · Salary Comparison · 2026
Software Developer Salary: Seattle, WA vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Software Developers in Seattle, WA and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$170,000 vs $135,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Denver, CO
$104,938 vs $105,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$96,963 vs $93,165
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $170,000▲ | $135,000 | +$35,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $130,000▲ | $103,000 | +$27,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $218,000▲ | $175,000 | +$43,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $270,000▲ | $218,000 | +$52,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 128 | +34 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $104,938 | $105,469▲ | -$531 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $157,080▲ | $119,251 | +$37,829 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $96,963▲ | $93,165 | +$3,798 |
| Total Employment | 58,000 | 28,000 | +30,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Seattle, WA minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $35,000 more (median: $170,000 vs $135,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 128), Denver, CO provides better purchasing power ($104,938 vs $105,469 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.