Data Scientist Salary in California
Data Scientists in California earn an average of $124,681 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$124,681
per year
Hourly Rate
$59.94
per hour
vs National
+15.4%
$108,020 national
Salary Range
$80,648
to $180,657
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$124,681
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$87,804
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Data Scientist's salary of $124,681 has the purchasing power of $87,804 in an average-cost area.
Data Scientist Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $148,412 | $71.35/hr | $100,160 | $218,642 | 149 |
| San Francisco, CA | $141,839 | $68.19/hr | $90,674 | $205,909 | 212 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $118,555 | $57.00/hr | $79,229 | $178,678 | 238 |
| San Diego, CA | $117,875 | $56.67/hr | $73,697 | $165,573 | 130 |
| Sacramento, CA | $112,946 | $54.30/hr | $70,558 | $160,866 | 158 |
| Riverside, CA | $108,459 | $52.14/hr | $69,568 | $154,276 | 139 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Data Scientist Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 1,026 Data Scientists employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Data Scientist Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$80,648
Starting salary for new Data Scientists
Median (50th Percentile)
$124,681
Mid-career Data Scientist salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$180,657
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Software Developer
$155,183
avg in CA
+$30,502 vs Data Scientist
Information Security Analyst
$139,713
avg in CA
+$15,032 vs Data Scientist
Computer Systems Analyst
$119,283
avg in CA
-$5,398 vs Data Scientist
Network Administrator
$112,201
avg in CA
-$12,480 vs Data Scientist
Computer User Support Specialist
$69,762
avg in CA
-$54,919 vs Data Scientist
Data Scientist Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Data Scientist salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Scientist salary in California?
The average Data Scientist salary in California is $124,681 per year ($59.94/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.4% above the national average of $108,020.
What is the highest paying city for Data Scientists in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Data Scientists in California, with a median salary of $148,412 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $108,459.
What is the salary range for Data Scientists in California?
Data Scientist salaries in California range from $80,648 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $180,657 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $124,681 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.