Salary Comparison

iOS Developer Salary:
San Francisco, CA vs Seattle, WA

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

San Francisco, CA
$238,613
/ year
+25%
difference
Seattle, WA
$190,815
/ year
Bottom line: San Francisco wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
San Francisco
Seattle
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$238,613✓ higher
$190,815
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$154,310✓ higher
$123,399
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$368,973✓ higher
$295,062
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$159,858✓ higher
$127,576
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$142,032✓ higher
$134,377
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.68×
1.42×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$154,310✓ higher
$123,399
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$368,973✓ higher
$295,062

What if you move from San Francisco to Seattle?

Gross salary change
$47,798
25% decrease
Take-home change
$32,282
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$7,655
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

San Francisco, CA$238,613
P10: $154,310Median: $238,613P90: $368,973
Seattle, WA$190,815
P10: $123,399Median: $190,815P90: $295,062

More iOS Developer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a iOS Developer earn more in San Francisco or Seattle?

The median iOS Developer salary in San Francisco, CA is $238,613/yr compared to $190,815/yr in Seattle, WA. San Francisco pays 25% more in gross terms.

▶Is a iOS Developer salary worth more in San Francisco or Seattle after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your San Francisco salary has the purchasing power of $142,032/yr in a median-cost city, vs $134,377/yr for Seattle. San Francisco offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a iOS Developer in San Francisco vs Seattle?

After estimated taxes, a iOS Developer in San Francisco, CA takes home approximately $159,858/yr, vs $127,576/yr in Seattle, WA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.