Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs Atlanta, GA

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

Los Angeles, CA
$168,072
/ year
+32%
difference
Atlanta, GA
$127,234
/ year
Bottom line: Los Angeles wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Los Angeles
Atlanta
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$168,072✓ higher
$127,234
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$108,691✓ higher
$82,282
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$259,894✓ higher
$196,745
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$112,151✓ higher
$87,505
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$121,791✓ higher
$121,175
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
1.05×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$108,691✓ higher
$82,282
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$259,894✓ higher
$196,745

What if you move from Los Angeles to Atlanta?

Gross salary change
$40,838
32% decrease
Take-home change
$24,646
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$616
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

Los Angeles, CA$168,072
P10: $108,691Median: $168,072P90: $259,894
Atlanta, GA$127,234
P10: $82,282Median: $127,234P90: $196,745

More Data Scientist salary comparisons

Los Angeles vs New YorkLos Angeles vs ChicagoLos Angeles vs HoustonLos Angeles vs PhoenixLos Angeles vs PhiladelphiaLos Angeles vs San AntonioAll Data Scientist salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Scientist earn more in Los Angeles or Atlanta?

The median Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $168,072/yr compared to $127,234/yr in Atlanta, GA. Los Angeles pays 32% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Scientist salary worth more in Los Angeles or Atlanta after cost of living?

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Los Angeles salary has the purchasing power of $121,791/yr in a median-cost city, vs $121,175/yr for Atlanta. Los Angeles offers stronger real purchasing power.

▶What is the take-home pay for a Data Scientist in Los Angeles vs Atlanta?

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $112,151/yr, vs $87,505/yr in Atlanta, GA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.