Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Oklahoma City, OK vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Oklahoma City, OK and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$90,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Oklahoma City, OK
$104,651 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$92,105 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Oklahoma City, OK | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $90,000 | $162,000▲ | -$72,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $68,000 | $123,000▲ | -$55,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $117,000 | $210,000▲ | -$93,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $146,000 | $262,000▲ | -$116,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 162 | -76 |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% | 0%▲ | +4.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $104,651▲ | $100,000 | +$4,651 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $79,210 | $149,688▲ | -$70,478 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $92,105 | $92,400▲ | -$295 |
| Total Employment | 3,000 | 16,000 | -13,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Oklahoma City, OK minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $72,000 more (median: $90,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 86 vs 162), Oklahoma City, OK provides better purchasing power ($104,651 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.