Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Los Angeles, CA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Los Angeles, CA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$142,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Seattle, WA
$82,081 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$68,790 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $142,000 | $162,000▲ | -$20,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,000 | $123,000▲ | -$15,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $185,000 | $210,000▲ | -$25,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $230,000 | $262,000▲ | -$32,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 173 | 162 | +11 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 0%▲ | +9.3% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $82,081 | $100,000▲ | -$17,919 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $119,006 | $149,688▲ | -$30,682 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $68,790 | $92,400▲ | -$23,610 |
| Total Employment | 16,000 | 16,000 | — |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Los Angeles, CA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $20,000 more (median: $142,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 173 vs 162), Seattle, WA provides better purchasing power ($82,081 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.