Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
Seattle, WA vs Washington DC, DC

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

Seattle, WA
$176,322
/ year
+3%
difference
Washington DC, DC
$171,168
/ year
Bottom line: Seattle wins on all three metrics — higher salary, more take-home pay, and greater purchasing power. How is this calculated? →
Metric
Seattle
Washington DC
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$176,322✓ higher
$171,168
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$114,027✓ higher
$110,694
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$272,651✓ higher
$264,681
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$117,721✓ higher
$114,216
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$124,170✓ higher
$120,541
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×✓ lower
1.42×
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$114,027✓ higher
$110,694
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$272,651✓ higher
$264,681

What if you move from Seattle to Washington DC?

Gross salary change
$5,154
3% decrease
Take-home change
$3,505
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$3,629
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

Seattle, WA$176,322
P10: $114,027Median: $176,322P90: $272,651
Washington DC, DC$171,168
P10: $110,694Median: $171,168P90: $264,681

More Data Scientist salary comparisons

Seattle vs New YorkSeattle vs Los AngelesSeattle vs ChicagoSeattle vs HoustonSeattle vs PhoenixSeattle vs PhiladelphiaAll Data Scientist salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Scientist salary in Seattle, WA is $176,322/yr compared to $171,168/yr in Washington DC, DC. Seattle pays 3% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Seattle salary has the purchasing power of $124,170/yr in a median-cost city, vs $120,541/yr for Washington DC. Seattle offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Seattle, WA takes home approximately $117,721/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.