Salary Comparison

Data Engineer Salary:
Toronto vs Washington DC, DC

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

Toronto
$134,230
/ year
-31%
difference
Washington DC, DC
$194,616
/ year
Bottom line: Washington DC wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Toronto
Washington DC
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$134,230
$194,616✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$86,806
$125,857✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$207,563
$300,939✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$91,276
$130,160✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$107,384
$137,054✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.25×✓ lower
1.42×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$118,056
$125,857✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$282,286
$300,939✓ higher

What if you move from Toronto to Washington DC?

Gross salary change
+$60,386
31% increase
Take-home change
+$38,884
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$29,670
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

Toronto$134,230
P10: $118,056Median: $134,230P90: $282,286
Washington DC, DC$194,616
P10: $125,857Median: $194,616P90: $300,939

More Data Engineer salary comparisons

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Engineer earn more in Toronto or Washington DC?

The median Data Engineer salary in Toronto is CA$182,553/yr compared to $194,616/yr in Washington DC, DC. Washington DC pays 31% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Engineer salary worth more in Toronto or Washington DC after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Toronto salary has the purchasing power of $107,384/yr in a median-cost city, vs $137,054/yr for Washington DC. Washington DC offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Engineer in Toronto vs Washington DC?

After estimated taxes, a Data Engineer in Toronto takes home approximately $91,276/yr, vs $130,160/yr in Washington DC, DC. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.