Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Atlanta, GA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Atlanta, GA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$118,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Atlanta, GA
$109,259 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Atlanta, GA
$95,413 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Atlanta, GA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $118,000 | $162,000▲ | -$44,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,000 | $123,000▲ | -$33,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $153,000 | $210,000▲ | -$57,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $191,000 | $262,000▲ | -$71,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 108 | 162 | -54 |
| State Income Tax | 5.49% | 0%▲ | +5.49% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $109,259▲ | $100,000 | +$9,259 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $103,046 | $149,688▲ | -$46,642 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $95,413▲ | $92,400 | +$3,013 |
| Total Employment | 9,000 | 16,000 | -7,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Atlanta, GA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $44,000 more (median: $118,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 108 vs 162), Atlanta, GA provides better purchasing power ($109,259 vs $100,000 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.