Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Portland, OR vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Portland, OR and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$132,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Portland, OR
$101,538 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Seattle, WA
$85,612 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Portland, OR | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $132,000 | $162,000▲ | -$30,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,000 | $123,000▲ | -$23,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $172,000 | $210,000▲ | -$38,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $215,000 | $262,000▲ | -$47,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 130 | 162 | -32 |
| State Income Tax | 8.75% | 0%▲ | +8.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $101,538▲ | $100,000 | +$1,538 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $111,296 | $149,688▲ | -$38,392 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $85,612 | $92,400▲ | -$6,788 |
| Total Employment | 6,000 | 16,000 | -10,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Portland, OR minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $30,000 more (median: $132,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 130 vs 162), Portland, OR provides better purchasing power ($101,538 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.