Question 1

How much does a Data Scientist make?

Accepted Answer

The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $140,000, with a typical range from $90,000 (entry level, 10th percentile) to $220,000 (top earners, 90th percentile). Actual pay varies by city, industry, employer size, and experience.

Question 2

What is the entry-level salary for a Data Scientist?

Accepted Answer

Entry-level Data Scientist positions typically pay around $90,000 to $109,200, depending on metro, industry, and degree. New graduates can expect the lower end of this range; those with relevant internships or in-demand specializations often start higher.

Question 3

How much does a senior Data Scientist earn?

Accepted Answer

Senior Data Scientist professionals earn approximately $189,000 on average, with top performers and those at large employers exceeding $220,000. Senior pay is driven by scope, leadership, technical depth, and employer choice.

Question 4

Which cities pay the most for a Data Scientist?

Accepted Answer

Data Scientist pay is highest in major metros — typically San Francisco, New York, Seattle, Boston, Toronto, and Vancouver. After adjusting for cost of living, however, mid-tier metros often deliver higher purchasing power. Use the SalaryScope city tools to compare apples-to-apples.

Question 5

What education is required to become a Data Scientist?

Accepted Answer

The typical education path for a Data Scientist is Master's degree. Relevant certifications, portfolios, and demonstrated skills can sometimes substitute for traditional credentials, especially in technical and trades roles.

Question 6

Is Data Scientist a growing career?

Accepted Answer

The 10-year employment outlook for Data Scientist is rated Much faster than average. SalaryScope combines federal projections with industry, automation-risk, and demand signals to produce a more precise Workforce Opportunity Score for this role.

Question 7

How can I increase my pay as a Data Scientist?

Accepted Answer

The highest-leverage ways to increase your Data Scientist pay are: (1) developing in-demand specializations that command a premium, (2) earning ROI-positive certifications, (3) switching employers strategically every 3-5 years, (4) negotiating every offer and review, and (5) considering geographic moves to higher-pay or lower-cost metros.

Question 8

What is the total compensation for a Data Scientist?

Accepted Answer

Total compensation for a Data Scientist includes base salary ($140,000 at median), an annual bonus (typically 5-25% of base), and at many employers equity (RSUs or options). Total comp can range from 1.05x to 1.5x of base depending on industry, level, and employer.

Level	Years	Salary
Entry	0–2 yrs	$105,000
Junior	3–5 yrs	$124,250
Mid	6–10 yrs	$140,000
Senior	11–15 yrs	$182,000
Lead / Principal	16–20 yrs	$224,000
Executive / Top Performer	20+ yrs	$264,320

City	COL	Median	p90
New York, NY	187	$261,800	$411,400
Los Angeles, CA	176	$246,400	$387,200
Toronto, ON	135	$189,000	$297,000
Chicago, IL	107	$149,800	$235,400
Houston, TX	96	$134,400	$211,200
Montreal, QC	98	$137,200	$215,600
Phoenix, AZ	104	$145,600	$228,800
Philadelphia, PA	101	$141,400	$222,200
San Antonio, TX	90	$126,000	$198,000
San Diego, CA	160	$224,000	$352,000
Dallas, TX	103	$144,200	$226,600
Calgary, AB	107	$149,800	$235,400

Education level	Estimated salary	vs Bachelor's
High School	$78,000	-30%
Associate Degree	$92,000	-18%
Bachelor's Degree	$112,000	—
Master's Degree	$140,000	25%
Doctorate / Professional	$174,000	55%
Professional Certifications	$125,000	12%

Data Scientist — Career & Salary Intelligence

Career overview

Salary by experience

Salary by location

Salary by education

10-year career growth forecast

Certifications that increase earnings

Career Opportunity Score breakdown

Frequently asked questions about Data Scientist