Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
New York, NY vs Seattle, WA

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

New York, NY
$144,292
/ year
-18%
difference
Seattle, WA
$176,322
/ year
Bottom line: Seattle wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
New York
Seattle
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$144,292
$176,322✓ higher
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$93,313
$114,027✓ higher
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$223,122
$272,651✓ higher
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$97,800
$117,721✓ higher
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$99,512
$124,170✓ higher
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.45×
1.42×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$93,313
$114,027✓ higher
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$223,122
$272,651✓ higher

What if you move from New York to Seattle?

Gross salary change
+$32,030
18% increase
Take-home change
+$19,921
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
+$24,658
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$144,292
P10: $93,313Median: $144,292P90: $223,122
Seattle, WA$176,322
P10: $114,027Median: $176,322P90: $272,651

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Frequently Asked Questions

▶Does a Data Scientist earn more in New York or Seattle?

The median Data Scientist salary in New York, NY is $144,292/yr compared to $176,322/yr in Seattle, WA. Seattle pays 18% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your New York salary has the purchasing power of $99,512/yr in a median-cost city, vs $124,170/yr for Seattle. Seattle offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in New York, NY takes home approximately $97,800/yr, vs $117,721/yr in Seattle, WA. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.