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
$120,230
$10,019/mo
Entry Level
$76,800
starting pay
Senior Level
$163,700
experienced
Job Growth
+35%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051) at a national median of $120,230 per year (mean $126,800), or $57.80 per hour, with 262,440 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
262K
5-Year Growth
+26%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$57.80/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,019
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
$134,000
$11,167/month · $5,154/biweekly · $64.42/hr
Data Scientist Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Data Scientist field.
Entry-level Data Scientists earn around $76,800, while the top 10% earn $187,300 or more.
Top Paying States for Data Scientists
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $142,000 | +$21,770 |
| New York | $138,000 | +$17,770 |
| Washington | $135,000 | +$14,770 |
| Massachusetts | $135,000 | +$14,770 |
| Illinois | $125,000 | +$4,770 |
Top Paying Cities for Data Scientists
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San FranciscoBLS metro | $170,110 | +$49,880 |
| SeattleBLS metro | $164,740 | +$44,510 |
| New YorkBLS metro | $135,980 | +$15,750 |
| BostonBLS metro | $132,040 | +$11,810 |
| ChicagoBLS metro | $107,640 | $-12,590 |
Rows marked BLS metro are the BLS OEWS May 2025 median annual wage for Data Scientists in that city's metropolitan statistical area (5 of 5); the remaining rows are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier.
Data Scientist Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Data Scientist.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Data Scientist Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Data Scientist from entry level to expert.
$76,800
0-2 years
$120,000
3-7 years
$163,700
8-14 years
$210,900
15+ years
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Data Scientist Salary FAQ
How much does a Data Scientist make in 2026?
The median salary for a Data Scientist in the United States is $120,230 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051); the mean is $126,800. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $76,800, senior professionals around $163,700, and top earners at $210,900 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Data Scientist?
A Data Scientist typically requires a Master's Degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Python, R, SQL. Relevant certifications such as Google Data Analytics or IBM Data Science can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Data Scientists?
The job market for Data Scientists is projected to grow by 35% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 262K Data Scientist positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 26%, reflecting strong demand for this role.
Which states pay Data Scientists the most?
The highest-paying states for Data Scientists include California, New York, Washington. In California, the median salary is approximately $142,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Data Scientist salary?
To increase your Data Scientist salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Python and R. Pursue certifications such as Google Data Analytics. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like San Francisco. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $76,800 to $163,700 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Data Scientist Salary
How we calculate Data Scientist salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $120,230, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Data Scientists; BLS mean $126,800; BLS hourly median $57.80.
- Entry-level ($76,800) and senior-level ($163,700) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +35% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 262,440 Data Scientists jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 26% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Technology sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Master's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $120,230; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Data Scientist compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Data Scientist job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Technology
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Data Scientist salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Python, R, SQL), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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