Data Scientist · Salary Comparison · 2026
Data Scientist Salary: Richmond, VA vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Data Scientists in Richmond, VA and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$108,000 vs $162,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Richmond, VA
$106,931 vs $100,000
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Richmond, VA
$93,123 vs $92,400
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $108,000 | $162,000▲ | -$54,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,000 | $123,000▲ | -$41,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $140,000 | $210,000▲ | -$70,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $175,000 | $262,000▲ | -$87,000 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101 | 162 | -61 |
| State Income Tax | 5.75% | 0%▲ | +5.75% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $106,931▲ | $100,000 | +$6,931 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $94,054 | $149,688▲ | -$55,634 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $93,123▲ | $92,400 | +$723 |
| Total Employment | 4,000 | 16,000 | -12,000 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Richmond, VA minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $54,000 more (median: $108,000 vs $162,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 101 vs 162), Richmond, VA provides better purchasing power ($106,931 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.