Data · Salary Guide · Seattle
Data Scientist Salary in Seattle
Seattle offers a favorable salary-to-tax ratio. Base salaries run roughly 80–85% of SF levels, but Washington's zero state income tax means take-home pay is often within 5% of SF for the same role. Amazon alone employs over 50,000 engineers in the Puget Sound region, and AWS-specific roles (cloud, distributed systems, infra) carry a 10–15% premium over generalist engineering. Microsoft, Meta's Seattle office, and a growing cluster of Seattle-based startups round out the market. Cost of living is 40% above the national average — lower than SF or NYC but still high. A 1BR in Seattle proper averages $2,200/month.
Median base in Seattle
$204k
Cost of living index
140
US = 100
Market multiplier
1.20x
vs US national
Salary by experience level in Seattle
| Experience level | Base salary (US national) |
|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 yrs) | $120k – $180k |
| Mid (3–5 yrs) | $162k – $240k |
| Senior (6–9 yrs) | $216k – $312k |
| Staff / Principal (10+ yrs) | $288k – $480k |
Adjusted from national ranges using the Seattle market multiplier (1.20x).
Tax and take-home considerations
No state income tax — Washington's biggest compensation advantage vs. CA or NY.
Dominant employers in Seattle
No state income tax. Dominated by Amazon and Microsoft; AWS roles pay a premium.
FAQ
What is the average data scientist salary in Seattle?
The median base salary for a data scientist in Seattle is approximately $204k in 2026. Seattle offers a favorable salary-to-tax ratio.
Does Seattle have state income tax for data scientists?
No state income tax — Washington's biggest compensation advantage vs. CA or NY.
Which companies hire the most data scientists in Seattle?
The dominant employers in Seattle are Amazon, Microsoft, Meta, Google, Snowflake. No state income tax. Dominated by Amazon and Microsoft; AWS roles pay a premium.
What is the average data scientist salary in the US?
As of 2026, the median US data scientist total compensation is about $170,000, with mid-level DS typically earning $135k–$200k. At Big Tech, total comp for senior and staff data scientists usually falls between $300k and $600k once equity is included.
Do data scientists make more than data analysts?
Yes, by a significant margin. Data scientists typically earn 40–80% more than data analysts at the same experience level because the role requires machine learning, production deployment, and experimentation skills. A mid-level DS commonly out-earns a senior DA by $40k–$70k.
Related Data Scientist Resources
Negotiate your Seattle offer with data
Your resume should signal the level your target compensation reflects. Rolevanta tailors each application to the exact JD and market.
Build Your Resume Free