Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
Washington DC, DC vs Phoenix, AZ

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

Washington DC, DC
$174,361
/ year
+49%
difference
Phoenix, AZ
$116,691
/ 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
Washington DC
Phoenix
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$174,361✓ higher
$116,691
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$112,758✓ higher
$75,464
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$269,618✓ higher
$180,442
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$116,387✓ higher
$81,143
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$122,789✓ higher
$120,300
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
0.97×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$112,758✓ higher
$75,464
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$269,618✓ higher
$180,442

What if you move from Washington DC to Phoenix?

Gross salary change
$57,670
49% decrease
Take-home change
$35,244
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$2,489
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

Washington DC, DC$174,361
P10: $112,758Median: $174,361P90: $269,618
Phoenix, AZ$116,691
P10: $75,464Median: $116,691P90: $180,442

More Data Scientist salary comparisons

Washington DC vs New YorkWashington DC vs Los AngelesWashington DC vs ChicagoWashington DC vs HoustonWashington DC vs PhiladelphiaWashington DC vs San AntonioAll Data Scientist salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Scientist salary in Washington DC, DC is $174,361/yr compared to $116,691/yr in Phoenix, AZ. Washington DC pays 49% more in gross terms.

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

After adjusting for local cost of living, your Washington DC salary has the purchasing power of $122,789/yr in a median-cost city, vs $120,300/yr for Phoenix. Washington DC offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Washington DC, DC takes home approximately $116,387/yr, vs $81,143/yr in Phoenix, AZ. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.