Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Charlotte, NC vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Charlotte, NC and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$108,000 vs $132,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$105,882 vs $106,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$93,432 vs $98,361
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Charlotte, NC | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $108,000 | $132,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,000 | $100,000▲ | -$18,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,000 | $172,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $175,000 | $215,000▲ | -$40,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 102 | 124 | -22 |
| State Income Tax | 4.5% | 0%▲ | +4.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $105,882 | $106,452▲ | -$570 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $95,301 | $121,968▲ | -$26,667 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,432 | $98,361▲ | -$4,929 |
| Total Employment | 6,000 | 12,000 | -6,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Charlotte, NC minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $24,000 more (median: $108,000 vs $132,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 102 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($105,882 vs $106,452 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.