Data Scientist Salary: $108,258 Average (2026)
2026 DataCompare data scientist salaries across 50 US cities. Pay ranges from $89,701 to $148,412.
Highest Paying Cities for Data Scientists
Average Salary
$108,258
across all locations
Highest Paying
$148,412
San Jose, CA
Locations Covered
50
metro areas
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Data Scientists
See which cities pay Data Scientists the most, from $148,412 down to the #10 spot.
Data Scientist Salary Comparison by Metro
Top 10 highest paying metro areas compared to national average ($108,020)
| Rank | Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Jose, CA | $148,412 |
| #2 | San Francisco, CA | $141,839 |
| #3 | New York, NY | $133,268 |
| #4 | Seattle, WA | $129,167 |
| #5 | Washington, DC | $127,854 |
| #6 | Boston, MA | $124,789 |
| #7 | Los Angeles, CA | $118,555 |
| #8 | San Diego, CA | $117,875 |
| #9 | Denver, CO | $113,720 |
| #10 | Philadelphia, PA | $113,054 |
COL Adjusted = Salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher values indicate better purchasing power.
Data Scientist Salary by Experience Level
Average salary ranges across all 50 metro areas based on experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $70,201 | $33.75/hr |
Mid-Career 50th (Median) | $108,258 | $52.05/hr |
Senior / Experienced 90th Percentile | $156,330 | $75.16/hr |
Entry to Mid Growth
+$38,056
+54%
Mid to Senior Growth
+$48,073
+44%
Total Career Growth
+$86,129
+123%
Data Scientist Salary by Location
| Location | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $148,412 | $71.35 | 149 |
| San Francisco, CA | $141,839 | $68.19 | 212 |
| New York, NY | $133,268 | $64.07 | 252 |
| Seattle, WA | $129,167 | $62.10 | 169 |
| Washington, DC | $127,854 | $61.47 | 197 |
| Boston, MA | $124,789 | $59.99 | 164 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $118,555 | $57.00 | 238 |
| San Diego, CA | $117,875 | $56.67 | 130 |
| Denver, CO | $113,720 | $54.67 | 140 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $113,054 | $54.35 | 153 |
| Baltimore, MD | $112,986 | $54.32 | 124 |
| Sacramento, CA | $112,946 | $54.30 | 158 |
| Austin, TX | $112,612 | $54.14 | 134 |
| Chicago, IL | $112,576 | $54.12 | 167 |
| Portland, OR | $112,121 | $53.90 | 133 |
| Dallas, TX | $111,031 | $53.38 | 179 |
| Raleigh, NC | $110,041 | $52.90 | 137 |
| Miami, FL | $109,186 | $52.49 | 139 |
| Hartford, CT | $109,027 | $52.42 | 126 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $108,638 | $52.23 | 158 |
| Riverside, CA | $108,459 | $52.14 | 139 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $108,115 | $51.98 | 147 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $107,880 | $51.87 | 150 |
| Atlanta, GA | $107,819 | $51.84 | 144 |
| Houston, TX | $107,450 | $51.66 | 161 |
| Charlotte, NC | $107,338 | $51.60 | 155 |
| Nashville, TN | $105,986 | $50.95 | 119 |
| Providence, RI | $105,297 | $50.62 | 139 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $104,507 | $50.24 | 133 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $103,430 | $49.73 | 146 |
| Kansas City, MO | $103,363 | $49.69 | 124 |
| Detroit, MI | $103,117 | $49.58 | 127 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $102,371 | $49.22 | 129 |
| Richmond, VA | $102,269 | $49.17 | 146 |
| Tampa, FL | $101,971 | $49.02 | 143 |
| Columbus, OH | $101,855 | $48.97 | 136 |
| St. Louis, MO | $100,593 | $48.36 | 127 |
| Orlando, FL | $99,987 | $48.07 | 154 |
| Cleveland, OH | $99,179 | $47.68 | 148 |
| Louisville, KY | $99,060 | $47.63 | 137 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $98,896 | $47.55 | 148 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $98,451 | $47.33 | 148 |
| San Antonio, TX | $98,421 | $47.32 | 127 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $98,085 | $47.16 | 133 |
| New Orleans, LA | $96,527 | $46.41 | 141 |
| Tucson, AZ | $95,245 | $45.79 | 149 |
| Memphis, TN | $93,545 | $44.97 | 126 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $93,060 | $44.74 | 134 |
| Birmingham, AL | $91,208 | $43.85 | 159 |
| El Paso, TX | $89,701 | $43.13 | 124 |
About Data Scientist Careers
Data scientists analyze and interpret complex data to help organizations make informed decisions. They combine expertise in statistics, programming, and domain knowledge to extract insights from large datasets. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven strategies, data scientists have become critical to competitive advantage across all industries.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average data scientist salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $108,258 per year. Salaries range from $89,701 in El Paso, TX to $148,412 in San Jose, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 7,452 professionals employed as data scientists across the metro areas we track.
What Does a Data Scientist Do?
Data Scientists perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:
- Collect, process, and clean large datasets from multiple sources
- Develop machine learning models and algorithms
- Analyze data to identify patterns, trends, and insights
- Create data visualizations and reports for stakeholders
- Collaborate with business teams to understand problems and requirements
- Build and maintain data pipelines and infrastructure
- Present findings and recommendations to leadership
Education Requirements
Data scientists typically hold a master's degree or PhD in a quantitative field such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related discipline. However, many professionals enter the field with a bachelor's degree and relevant experience or bootcamp training. Continuous learning is essential due to rapidly evolving technologies.
Key Skills for Data Scientists
Factors That Affect Data Scientist Salary
Several factors influence how much a data scientist earns:
Career Path & Advancement
Data scientists typically start as junior or associate data scientists before advancing to senior and lead roles. Career progression can lead to positions like principal data scientist, director of data science, or chief data officer. Some data scientists transition to research roles, product management, or entrepreneurship.
Job Outlook
Data science is one of the fastest-growing careers, with demand expected to continue growing rapidly. The proliferation of data across industries, advancement of AI technologies, and increasing focus on data-driven decision making create strong opportunities for skilled data scientists.
Work Environment
Data scientists primarily work in office settings or remotely, spending much of their time working with computers and collaborating with cross-functional teams. The work is intellectually demanding and often involves solving complex, ambiguous problems. Tech companies, consulting firms, and research institutions are common employers.
Career Prospects for Data Scientists
The job market for data scientists continues to evolve with changing economic conditions and technological advancements. Professionals entering this field should be prepared for a dynamic career landscape that rewards adaptability and continuous skill development.
With approximately 7,452 data scientists employed across the metropolitan areas we track, the profession offers substantial employment opportunities. Industry projections suggest steady demand driven by factors including technological innovation, demographic shifts, and evolving business needs.
Professionals who invest in specialized certifications, stay current with industry trends, and develop complementary skills in emerging technologies tend to command higher salaries and have better job security. Networking and maintaining strong professional relationships also play crucial roles in career advancement within this field.
Geographic Salary Variations for Data Scientists
Salary for data scientists varies significantly by geographic location. The highest-paying metropolitan area, San Jose, CA, offers a median salary of $148,412, while the lowest in our data, El Paso, TX, pays approximately $89,701. This represents a salary difference of $58,711 (65% higher).
Cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating salaries across locations. Higher-paying metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically have significantly higher housing costs, taxes, and general expenses. When considering relocation, calculate your potential take-home pay after accounting for local cost of living differences.
Regional demand also affects compensation. Areas with strong industries that heavily employ data scientists often pay premium salaries to attract and retain talent. Conversely, regions with surplus labor or fewer industry concentrations may offer lower compensation. Remote work opportunities have begun to change these dynamics, allowing some professionals to earn higher salaries while living in lower-cost areas.
Advancement Opportunities for Data Scientists
Career advancement for data scientists typically follows several paths. Technical advancement involves deepening expertise and specializing in high-demand niches, while management tracks offer opportunities to lead teams and oversee larger projects. Both paths can lead to significant salary increases over time.
Entry-level data scientists can expect to progress from starting salaries around $58,341to the median salary of $108,258 within 3-5 years with solid performance and skill development. Top performers who reach senior levels can earn $218,642 or more, representing the top 10% of earners in this profession.
Professional development investments that typically yield the highest returns include industry certifications, advanced degrees, leadership training, and expertise in emerging technologies or methodologies. Professionals who consistently deliver results and build strong professional networks tend to advance more quickly and negotiate better compensation packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Data Scientist Salaries
The average data scientist salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $108,258 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $89,701 in El Paso, TX to $148,412 in San Jose, CA.
The average hourly rate for data scientists is $52.05 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $43.13/hour in lower-paying areas to $71.35/hour in top-paying cities like San Jose.
San Jose, CA is the highest paying metro area for data scientists, with a median salary of $148,412 per year. This is 37% above the national average of $108,258. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.
Entry-level data scientists (10th percentile) typically earn around $70,201 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $108,258 within 3-5 years of career growth.
The average data scientist salary of $108,258 is 83% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $156,330 or more annually.
El Paso, TX has the lowest data scientist salary at $89,701 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $58,711.
There are approximately 7,452 data scientists employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a specialized job market with opportunities in technology industries nationwide.
The biggest factors affecting data scientist salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $58,711 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Education level (PhD commands premium), Industry sector (tech, finance, healthcare). Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.
In-demand skills that boost data scientist salaries include: Strong programming skills (Python, R, SQL), Statistical analysis and machine learning expertise, Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), Big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop), Communication skills for explaining technical concepts. Education level (PhD commands premium) Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($132,881).
Data Scientist salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $108,258 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.
Career Path Connections
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Data Freshness & Source
Current DataLast Updated
March 2027
Data Source
BLS 2026 OEWS
Next Update Expected
March 2027
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. This is the most comprehensive source of occupation-specific wage data in the United States.
About Our Salary Data
This salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2026 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The BLS collects wage data from employers each May and publishes results the following spring. Our data reflects the most recent official government statistics available. The next BLS data release is expected in March 2027.
Data Scientist Salary by State
Compare data scientist salaries across 31 states. Click a state for detailed city-by-city salary data.