Federal Way vs Seattle: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Federal Way, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,287 | $110,157▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.53 | $52.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,886 | $54,249▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,687 | $72,712▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,887 | $140,669▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,645 | $154,450▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 8,370▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Seattle is $25,870 (30.69%). Seattle's median is +37.02% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Federal Way spans $81,759,Seattle spans $100,201. Seattle has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($99,122 effective) pays 26.30% more than Federal Way ($78,480 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($110,157/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,450)
- ✓Larger job market (8,370 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $99,122)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Federal Way grew -47.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -18.6% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$154,324 (2024) → $80,673 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$129,560 (2021) → $105,434 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Federal Way or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Federal Way to Seattle as a data analyst?
What do entry-level data analysts earn in Federal Way vs Seattle?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov