Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Memphis, TN vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Memphis, TN and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$88,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Memphis, TN
$106,024 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Memphis, TN
$97,966 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Memphis, TN | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $88,000 | $162,000▲ | -$74,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,000 | $123,000▲ | -$57,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,000 | $210,000▲ | -$96,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $143,000 | $262,000▲ | -$119,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 83 | 162 | -79 |
| State Income Tax | 0%▲ | 0% | — |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,024▲ | $100,000 | +$6,024 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $81,312 | $149,688▲ | -$68,376 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $97,966▲ | $92,400 | +$5,566 |
| Total Employment | 2,000 | 16,000 | -14,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Memphis, TN minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $74,000 more (median: $88,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 83 vs 162), Memphis, TN provides better purchasing power ($106,024 vs $100,000 equivalent). Memphis, TN 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.