Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Columbus, OH vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Columbus, OH and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$105,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Columbus, OH
$115,385 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Columbus, OH
$102,362 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $105,000 | $162,000▲ | -$57,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,000 | $123,000▲ | -$43,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $136,000 | $210,000▲ | -$74,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $170,000 | $262,000▲ | -$92,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 162 | -71 |
| State Income Tax | 3.99% | 0%▲ | +3.99% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $115,385▲ | $100,000 | +$15,385 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $93,149 | $149,688▲ | -$56,539 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $102,362▲ | $92,400 | +$9,962 |
| Total Employment | 5,000 | 16,000 | -11,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Columbus, OH minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $57,000 more (median: $105,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 91 vs 162), Columbus, OH provides better purchasing power ($115,385 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.