Data Scientist Salary in 2026
Data scientists analyze complex datasets to extract insights and build predictive models. They use statistical methods and machine learning to drive data-informed business decisions.
Median Salary
$130,000
$10,833/mo
Entry Level
$83,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$177,000
experienced
Job Growth
+35%
10-yr outlook
Data Scientist Overview
Data scientists analyze complex datasets to extract insights and build predictive models. They use statistical methods and machine learning to drive data-informed business decisions.
Education
Master's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
190K
5-Year Growth
+26%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$62.50/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,833
Data Scientist Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Data Scientist salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Data Scientist Salary
$145,000
$12,083/month · $5,577/biweekly · $69.71/hr
Data Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Data Scientist field.
Entry-level Data Scientists earn around $83,000, while the top 10% earn $202,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Data Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $153,000 | +$23,000 |
| New York | $150,000 | +$20,000 |
| Washington | $146,000 | +$16,000 |
| Massachusetts | $146,000 | +$16,000 |
| Illinois | $135,000 | +$5,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Data Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $163,000 | +$33,000 |
| New York | $153,000 | +$23,000 |
| Seattle | $148,000 | +$18,000 |
| Boston | $146,000 | +$16,000 |
| Chicago | $137,000 | +$7,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Data Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Data Scientist from entry level to expert.
$83,000
0-2 years
$130,000
3-7 years
$177,000
8-14 years
$228,000
15+ years
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Data Scientist Salary FAQ
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