Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Indianapolis, IN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Indianapolis, IN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$100,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$111,111 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Indianapolis, IN
$99,432 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $100,000 | $162,000▲ | -$62,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,000 | $123,000▲ | -$47,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,000 | $210,000▲ | -$80,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $163,000 | $262,000▲ | -$99,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90 | 162 | -72 |
| State Income Tax | 3.15% | 0%▲ | +3.15% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $111,111▲ | $100,000 | +$11,111 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $89,489 | $149,688▲ | -$60,199 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $99,432▲ | $92,400 | +$7,032 |
| Total Employment | 4,000 | 16,000 | -12,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Indianapolis, IN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $62,000 more (median: $100,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 90 vs 162), Indianapolis, IN provides better purchasing power ($111,111 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.