Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Los Angeles, CA and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Los Angeles, CA
$142,000 vs $132,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Austin, TX
$82,081 vs $106,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Austin, TX
$68,790 vs $98,361
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $142,000▲ | $132,000 | +$10,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,000▲ | $100,000 | +$8,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,000▲ | $172,000 | +$13,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $230,000▲ | $215,000 | +$15,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 124 | +49 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $82,081 | $106,452▲ | -$24,371 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $119,006 | $121,968▲ | -$2,962 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,790 | $98,361▲ | -$29,571 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 12,000 | +4,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Los Angeles, CA pays $10,000 more (median: $142,000 vs $132,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 124), Austin, TX provides better purchasing power ($82,081 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.