Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Austin, TX
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Phoenix, AZ and Austin, TX, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Austin, TX
$115,000 vs $132,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$111,650 vs $106,452
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$100,586 vs $98,361
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Austin, TX | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $115,000 | $132,000▲ | -$17,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,000 | $100,000▲ | -$13,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,000 | $172,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $186,000 | $215,000▲ | -$29,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 124 | -21 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $111,650▲ | $106,452 | +$5,198 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $103,604 | $121,968▲ | -$18,364 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $100,586▲ | $98,361 | +$2,225 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 12,000 | -4,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Austin, TX.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Austin, TX pays $17,000 more (median: $115,000 vs $132,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 124), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($111,650 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.