Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Phoenix, AZ vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Phoenix, AZ and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$115,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$111,650 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Phoenix, AZ
$100,586 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Phoenix, AZ | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $115,000 | $162,000▲ | -$47,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,000 | $123,000▲ | -$36,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,000 | $210,000▲ | -$61,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $186,000 | $262,000▲ | -$76,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 103 | 162 | -59 |
| State Income Tax | 2.5% | 0%▲ | +2.5% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $111,650▲ | $100,000 | +$11,650 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $103,604 | $149,688▲ | -$46,084 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $100,586▲ | $92,400 | +$8,186 |
| Total Employment | 8,000 | 16,000 | -8,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Phoenix, AZ minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $47,000 more (median: $115,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 103 vs 162), Phoenix, AZ provides better purchasing power ($111,650 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.