Salary Comparison

Data Scientist Salary:
Washington DC, DC vs San Antonio, TX

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

Washington DC, DC
$174,361
/ year
+65%
difference
San Antonio, TX
$105,674
/ 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
San Antonio
Median Gross Salary
Annual, before tax
$174,361✓ higher
$105,674
Entry Level
0–2 years experience
$112,758✓ higher
$68,339
Senior Level
8+ years experience
$269,618✓ higher
$163,406
Est. Take-Home Pay
After income tax + FICA
$116,387✓ higher
$74,494
Purchasing Power
Equivalent in median-CoL city
$122,789✓ higher
$120,084
Cost of Living Index
Relative to US median (1.00)
1.42×
0.88×✓ lower
Percentile 10 (Low)
Bottom 10% of earners
$112,758✓ higher
$68,339
Percentile 90 (High)
Top 10% of earners
$269,618✓ higher
$163,406

What if you move from Washington DC to San Antonio?

Gross salary change
$68,687
65% decrease
Take-home change
$41,893
per year after tax
Purchasing power change
$2,705
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
San Antonio, TX$105,674
P10: $68,339Median: $105,674P90: $163,406

More Data Scientist salary comparisons

Washington DC vs New YorkWashington DC vs Los AngelesWashington DC vs ChicagoWashington DC vs HoustonWashington DC vs PhoenixWashington DC vs PhiladelphiaAll Data Scientist salaries →

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The median Data Scientist salary in Washington DC, DC is $174,361/yr compared to $105,674/yr in San Antonio, TX. Washington DC pays 65% more in gross terms.

▶Is a Data Scientist salary worth more in Washington DC or San Antonio 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 $120,084/yr for San Antonio. Washington DC offers stronger real purchasing power.

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

After estimated taxes, a Data Scientist in Washington DC, DC takes home approximately $116,387/yr, vs $74,494/yr in San Antonio, TX. These are estimates based on standard federal tax rates and do not account for state/local taxes or deductions.