Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
Los Angeles, CA vs Denver, CO

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

Los Angeles, CA
$133,484
/ year
-12%
difference
Denver, CO
$150,932
/ year
Bottom line: Denver wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Los Angeles
Denver
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$133,484
$150,932✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$86,323
$97,607✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$206,409
$233,390✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$91,277
$101,807✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$96,728
$132,396✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.38×
1.14×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$86,323
$97,607✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$206,409
$233,390✓ higher

What if you move from Los Angeles to Denver?

Gross salary change
+$17,448
12% increase
Take-home change
+$10,530
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$35,668
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$133,484
P10: $86,323Median: $133,484P90: $206,409
Denver, CO$150,932
P10: $97,607Median: $150,932P90: $233,390

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 Denver?

The median Data Scientist salary in Los Angeles, CA is $133,484/yr compared to $150,932/yr in Denver, CO. Denver pays 12% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Los Angeles salary has the purchasing power of $96,728/yr in a median-cost city, vs $132,396/yr for Denver. Denver offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Los Angeles, CA takes home approximately $91,277/yr, vs $101,807/yr in Denver, CO. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.