Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Austin, TX vs Denver, CO
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Austin, TX and Denver, CO, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$132,000 vs $128,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$106,452 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$98,361 vs $88,334
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | Denver, CO | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $132,000▲ | $128,000 | +$4,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,000▲ | $97,000 | +$3,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,000▲ | $166,000 | +$6,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $215,000▲ | $208,000 | +$7,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 124 | 128 | -4 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 4.4% | -4.4% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,452▲ | $100,000 | +$6,452 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $121,968▲ | $113,068 | +$8,900 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $98,361▲ | $88,334 | +$10,027 |
| Total Employment | 12,000 | 9,000 | +3,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Austin, TX minus Denver, CO.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $4,000 more (median: $132,000 vs $128,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 124 vs 128), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($106,452 vs $100,000 equivalent). Austin, TX 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.