Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Detroit, MI vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Detroit, MI and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$100,000 vs $132,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Detroit, MI
$112,360 vs $106,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Detroit, MI
$99,408 vs $98,361
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $100,000 | $132,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,000 | $100,000▲ | -$24,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,000 | $172,000▲ | -$42,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $163,000 | $215,000▲ | -$52,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 124 | -35 |
| State Income Tax | 4.25% | 0%▲ | +4.25% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $112,360▲ | $106,452 | +$5,908 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $88,473 | $121,968▲ | -$33,495 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $99,408▲ | $98,361 | +$1,047 |
| Total Employment | 4,000 | 12,000 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Detroit, MI minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $32,000 more (median: $100,000 vs $132,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 89 vs 124), Detroit, MI provides better purchasing power ($112,360 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.