Welder · Salary Comparison · 2026
Welder Salary: Boston, MA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Welders in Boston, MA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$59,000 vs $65,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$36,420 vs $40,123
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$31,969 vs $37,074
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $59,000 | $65,000▲ | -$6,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,430 | $50,050▲ | -$4,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,520 | $83,200▲ | -$7,680 |
| 90th Percentile | $94,400 | $104,000▲ | -$9,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 162 | 162 | — |
| State Income Tax | 5% | 0%▲ | +5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $36,420 | $40,123▲ | -$3,703 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $51,790 | $60,060▲ | -$8,270 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $31,969 | $37,074▲ | -$5,105 |
| Total Employment | 105,000 | 145,000 | -40,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Boston, MA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $6,000 more (median: $59,000 vs $65,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 162 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($36,420 vs $40,123 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
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.