Welder · Salary Comparison · 2026
Welder Salary: Pittsburgh, PA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Welders in Pittsburgh, PA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$42,000 vs $65,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$46,667 vs $40,123
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Pittsburgh, PA
$41,797 vs $37,074
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Pittsburgh, PA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $42,000 | $65,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $32,340 | $50,050▲ | -$17,710 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,760 | $83,200▲ | -$29,440 |
| 90th Percentile | $67,200 | $104,000▲ | -$36,800 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.07% | 0%▲ | +3.07% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $46,667▲ | $40,123 | +$6,544 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $37,617 | $60,060▲ | -$22,443 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $41,797▲ | $37,074 | +$4,723 |
| Total Employment | 35,000 | 145,000 | -110,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Pittsburgh, PA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $23,000 more (median: $42,000 vs $65,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Pittsburgh, PA provides better purchasing power ($46,667 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.