Is a $144,500 Data Scientist Salary in Virginia Worth It? (2026 Audit)
A quantitative breakdown of real net take-home pay, 2.0% - 5.75% state tax deductions, median rent burdens in the Northern VA / Richmond metro, and purchasing power parity against UK & global benchmarks.
By MazicBay Labor Bureau•Updated for 2026 IRS & State Tax Brackets•Verified with BLS Data
Virginia Economic Audit
Verified Bureau Report
Northern VA / Richmond Metropolitan Economic Profile (2026)
Data Scientist Compensation Architecture in Virginia
Median Gross Salary
$144,500
Above: Data scientist analyzing statistical econometric regression models and distributions.Photo: Analytics & Data Bureau
Median Annual Gross
$144,500
$69.47/hr equivalent
Est. Net Take-Home Pay
$110,326
~$9,194/month
State Income Tax Rate
2.0% - 5.75%
COL Index: 104
Median Monthly Rent
$1,950
Northern VA / Richmond Metro Avg
Data Scientist Earning Spectrum & Net Pay Breakdown (Virginia)
2026 Distribution Curve
Entry-Level (25th %)Median Benchmark (50th %)Senior Top Tier (90th %)
$104,040$144,500$209,525
Take-Home Pay ($110,326)Federal + Virginia Tax ($34,174)
76% Net Income
24% Taxes
Keep $9,194/month after all withholdings.State Tax Bracket: 2.0% - 5.75%
Cross-Border Global Purchasing Power Benchmark:
A $144,500 USD salary in Virginia converts approximately to:
UK Equivalent (GBP)
£114,155 / yr
EU Equivalent (EUR)
€132,940 / yr
NORTHERN VA / RICHMOND, VA (AP) —For professionals evaluating career relocation or compensation packages, Virginia offers a distinct trade-off between gross earning potential and localized cost burdens. A Data Scientist in the Northern VA / Richmond metropolitan area commands a median gross income of $144,500 per year.
However, top-line numbers can be deceiving without factoring in Virginia's tax architecture (2.0% - 5.75%). After federal income withholding, mandatory FICA contributions, and local state withholdings, the estimated take-home pay stands at $110,326.
2026 Virginia Take-Home Pay & Tax Calculator
Estimate your net paycheck after Federal Income Tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Virginia State Taxes.
Gross Pay
$12,042
Total Deductions
-$3,474
~29% Est. Tax
Net Take-Home
$8,568
In Your Pocket
Based on 2026 IRS Single filer tax brackets and Virginia state revenue statutes.
Data Scientist Compensation & Career Specifications
Career Category
Technology
Entry-Level (25th Percentile)
$104,040 / year
Senior Professional (90th Percentile)
$209,525 / year
National U.S. Baseline
$128,000 / year
Projected 10-Year Job Growth
+28% (High Demand)
Required Education / License
Master's in Statistics/CS
Top Hiring Employers in Virginia
Capital One, Amazon HQ2, General Dynamics, Northrop
Highest Demand Skillsets
SQL • Machine Learning • R/Python • A/B Testing
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist in Virginia
As of 2026, the median annual salary for a Data Scientist in Virginia is $144,500 ($69.47/hour). Entry-level roles average $104,040, while senior professionals command upwards of $209,525.
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