Data Scientist Salary in Tucson, AZ: $95,245 (2024)

The median data scientist salary in Tucson, AZ is $95,245 per year ($45.79/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $59,869 for entry-level positions to $136,412 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level data scientists in Tucson, AZ typically start at around $59,869 per year ($28.78/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $95,245 within 3-5 years.

Data Scientists in Tucson, AZ earn a median hourly wage of $45.79 per hour. Hourly rates range from $28.78/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $65.58/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $59,869 and $136,412.

The median data scientist salary of $95,245 in Tucson, AZ is below the national median of $108,020 (11.8% lower). The cost of living is also 6% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of data scientists in the area earn more and half earn less.

Data Scientists in Tucson, AZ earn below the national average. The local median salary of $95,245 is 11.8% lower than the national median of $108,020. The cost of living is also 6% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $101,217.

The top 10% of data scientists in Tucson, AZ earn $136,412 or more per year ($65.58/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $113,018, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost data scientist salary in Tucson, AZ include: Strong programming skills (Python, R, SQL), Statistical analysis and machine learning expertise, Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI), Big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop). Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $95,245, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($113,018) or higher. Education level (PhD commands premium)

Tucson, AZ has a specialized job market for data scientists, with approximately 149 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $95,245 is below the national average. The cost of living is also 6% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your data scientist salary to these Tucson, AZ benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $59,869, 25th percentile: $78,579, 50th percentile (median): $95,245, 75th percentile: $113,018, 90th percentile (top earners): $136,412. If you earn more than $95,245, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $95,245 median base salary, data scientists in Tucson, AZ typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced data scientists with 5-10 years in Tucson, AZ typically earn $113,018 (75th percentile) to $136,412 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $136,412. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $95,245.

Data Scientists in Tucson, AZ can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($59,869) to median ($95,245) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($136,412) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $76,543 over a career.