Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Columbus, OH vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Columbus, OH and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$105,000 vs $132,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$115,385 vs $106,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$102,362 vs $98,361
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000 | $132,000▲ | -$27,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,000 | $100,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,000 | $172,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $170,000 | $215,000▲ | -$45,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 124 | -33 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $115,385▲ | $106,452 | +$8,933 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $93,149 | $121,968▲ | -$28,819 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $102,362▲ | $98,361 | +$4,001 |
| Total Employment | 5,000 | 12,000 | -7,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $27,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $132,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 124), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($115,385 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.