Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
New York, NY vs Atlanta, GA

Side-by-side gross salary, after-tax take-home pay, and purchasing power comparison. Updated June 2026.

New York, NY
$165,248
/ year
+17%
difference
Atlanta, GA
$141,734
/ year
Bottom line: Atlanta offers better purchasing power despite New York paying more gross. How is this calculated? →
Metric
New York
Atlanta
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$165,248✓ higher
$141,734
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$106,865✓ higher
$91,659
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$255,527✓ higher
$219,167
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$110,447✓ higher
$96,256
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$113,964
$134,985✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.45×
1.05×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$106,865✓ higher
$91,659
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$255,527✓ higher
$219,167

What if you move from New York to Atlanta?

Gross salary change
$23,514
17% decrease
Take-home change
$14,191
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$21,021
equivalent real income

Take-home pay is estimated using 2024 US federal tax brackets (single filer) + 7.65% FICA, or a blended international effective rate. Purchasing power converts gross salary to an equivalent in a US median cost-of-living city (index 1.00×). Full methodology →

Salary Range Comparison

New York, NY$165,248
P10: $106,865Median: $165,248P90: $255,527
Atlanta, GA$141,734
P10: $91,659Median: $141,734P90: $219,167

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

New York vs Los AngelesNew York vs ChicagoNew York vs HoustonNew York vs PhoenixNew York vs PhiladelphiaNew York vs San AntonioAll Data Engineer salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Engineer earn more in New York or Atlanta?

The median Data Engineer salary in New York, NY is $165,248/yr compared to $141,734/yr in Atlanta, GA. New York pays 17% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in New York or Atlanta after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your New York salary has the purchasing power of $113,964/yr in a median-cost city, vs $134,985/yr for Atlanta. Atlanta offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Engineer in New York vs Atlanta?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in New York, NY takes home approximately $110,447/yr, vs $96,256/yr in Atlanta, GA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.