Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
Austin, TX vs Washington DC, DC

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

Austin, TX
$133,100
/ year
-22%
difference
Washington DC, DC
$171,168
/ 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
Austin
Washington DC
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$133,100
$171,168✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$86,075
$110,694✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$205,816
$264,681✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$91,045
$114,216✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$118,839
$120,541✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.12×✓ lower
1.42×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$86,075
$110,694✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$205,816
$264,681✓ higher

What if you move from Austin to Washington DC?

Gross salary change
+$38,068
22% increase
Take-home change
+$23,171
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$1,702
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

Austin, TX$133,100
P10: $86,075Median: $133,100P90: $205,816
Washington DC, DC$171,168
P10: $110,694Median: $171,168P90: $264,681

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Scientist earn more in Austin or Washington DC?

The median Data Scientist salary in Austin, TX is $133,100/yr compared to $171,168/yr in Washington DC, DC. Washington DC pays 22% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Austin salary has the purchasing power of $118,839/yr in a median-cost city, vs $120,541/yr for Washington DC. Washington DC offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Austin, TX takes home approximately $91,045/yr, vs $114,216/yr in Washington DC, DC. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.