Position
Salary

How much does a Data Scientist make?

The average salary for a Data Scientist is $147,934 per year in the US.

Data scientists use their skills to help companies make smart decisions. They analyze and interpret complex data. Because of their important work, data scientists earn good salaries. The average yearly salary for a data scientist is $147,934. This number can change based on many factors, including experience and location.

Salary can vary a lot in this field. Here are some examples:

  • About 6% of data scientists earn less than $68,155.
  • Almost 17% make between $124,568 and $143,372.
  • Over 16% earn more than $218,588 a year.
These numbers show that there are many ways to grow in this career, with the potential to earn more as experience grows.

View Data Scientist jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Data Scientist?

Job seekers looking for top-paying data science roles will find great opportunities in major cities like San Francisco and Seattle. These locations offer the highest average salaries for data scientists, making them attractive areas for professionals in this field. Consider exploring these cities for a rewarding career with competitive compensation. Other cities, such as San Jose, Greensboro, and San Antonio, also provide strong salaries for data scientists. These places offer lucrative job markets with excellent benefits. Job seekers may find these cities suitable for advancing their careers in data science.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Data Scientist jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $195,814 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $148,488.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $195,814
    Working in San Francisco offers a dynamic tech environment. Companies like Google and Salesforce lead the way in data science. Opportunities here focus on innovation and growth.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $173,930
    Seattle is a tech hub with giants such as Amazon and Microsoft. Data scientists here enjoy a vibrant community. They work on cutting-edge projects with a focus on sustainability and technology.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Seattle, WA


  3. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $168,290
    San Jose is the heart of Silicon Valley. Tech companies such as Apple and Intel seek top talent. Data scientists here benefit from a collaborative atmosphere and frequent tech events.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in San Jose, CA


  4. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $164,486
    Greensboro is becoming a tech hotspot. Companies like IBM and Cisco are expanding their data science teams. This city offers a blend of affordability and tech growth.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Greensboro, NC


  5. San Antonio, TX
    Average Salary: $157,826
    San Antonio provides a growing tech scene with strong companies like AT&T and Rackspace. Data scientists here enjoy a warm climate and a supportive community.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in San Antonio, TX


  6. Fayetteville, AR
    Average Salary: $155,523
    Fayetteville offers a quiet tech environment with fewer crowds. Companies like Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt use data science. It’s a great place for those seeking a balance of work and lifestyle.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Fayetteville, AR


  7. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $152,954
    In Los Angeles, data science thrives in the entertainment and tech sectors. Companies like Disney and Netflix seek data experts. This city offers a vibrant lifestyle and diverse opportunities.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Los Angeles, CA


  8. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $151,761
    San Diego is a coastal tech hub. Qualcomm and Uber drive the data science demand. Working here means enjoying beautiful weather and a growing tech community.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in San Diego, CA


  9. Louisville, KY
    Average Salary: $148,919
    Louisville provides a balanced tech scene. Companies like Humana and Yum! Brands value data science. This city offers a mix of tradition and modern tech opportunities.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Louisville, KY


  10. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $148,488
    Austin is known for its tech and startup culture. Companies such as Dell and Apple look for skilled data professionals. This city combines innovation with a lively atmosphere.
    Find Data Scientist jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Data Scientist can work for?

Job seekers looking for top-paying data science roles have several excellent options. Netflix, for example, offers an average salary of over $468,000. Following closely is Equinix, with an average salary close to $355,000. Another great option is OpenAI, where data scientists can expect to earn around $336,000 on average. Other notable companies include USAA, which pays over $230,000, and DCI Solutions, which offers nearly the same amount. Apple, Genentech, Atlassian, and Walmart also present attractive opportunities for data scientists, with average salaries ranging from $205,000 to $208,000. These companies provide competitive compensation, making them top choices for data science professionals.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Data Scientist jobs, highlighting Netflix with the highest at $468,333 and Walmart with the lowest at $190,706.
  1. Netflix
    Average Salary: $468,333
    Netflix, a leading entertainment company, offers Data Scientist jobs with the potential to impact streaming experiences worldwide. Positions are available in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York. Here, Data Scientists help improve recommendations and content personalization.


  2. Equinix
    Average Salary: $355,273
    Equinix specializes in data centers and connectivity solutions. Data Scientist roles at Equinix involve data analysis to enhance infrastructure and services. With offices in many global cities, these jobs offer opportunities to work in tech hubs such as San Francisco and Singapore.


  3. OpenAI
    Average Salary: $336,526
    OpenAI focuses on artificial intelligence research. Data Scientist positions at this company allow you to contribute to cutting-edge AI projects. The company operates globally, with significant activity in cities like San Francisco and Toronto.


  4. USAA
    Average Salary: $232,064
    USAA provides financial services to military members and their families. Data Scientist jobs here involve analyzing customer data to improve services. USAA has a strong presence in San Antonio and other key locations.


  5. DCI Solutions
    Average Salary: $231,818
    DCI Solutions offers technology services to government agencies. Data Scientist roles focus on data analysis to support national security and defense. This company operates in Washington, D.C., and other strategic locations.


  6. Whatnot
    Average Salary: $214,833
    Whatnot is an online marketplace for live-stream shopping. Data Scientist roles here involve analyzing consumer behavior to improve the shopping experience. The company is based in New York City and expanding rapidly.


  7. Apple
    Average Salary: $208,293
    Apple, a tech giant, offers opportunities for Data Scientists to work on innovative products. Positions are available in cities like Cupertino and Austin. Data Scientists help improve features and user experience.


  8. Genentech
    Average Salary: $206,928
    Genentech, a biotechnology company, seeks Data Scientists to analyze complex biological data. Locations include South San Francisco and other research hubs. Here, you contribute to groundbreaking medical research.


  9. Atlassian
    Average Salary: $205,414
    Atlassian offers collaboration software for teams. Data Scientist roles involve improving product features through data analysis. With offices in Sydney and other global locations, these jobs offer a mix of remote and in-person work.


  10. Walmart
    Average Salary: $190,706
    Walmart, a retail giant, employs Data Scientists to analyze sales and customer data. Positions are available in Bentonville and other major cities. Here, you help optimize operations and improve customer satisfaction.

How to earn more as a Data Scientist?

In the competitive field of data science, earning more requires a strategic approach. A data scientist can increase their salary by focusing on several key factors. Specialization in a niche area can make a candidate more valuable. For example, expertise in machine learning or big data analytics often commands higher pay. Continuous learning through courses, certifications, and hands-on projects keeps skills sharp and up-to-date. Building a strong portfolio with real-world projects showcases one's abilities to potential employers. Networking with industry professionals and attending conferences can lead to higher-paying opportunities. Lastly, negotiating salary with confidence and understanding the market rate for data scientists in your area can significantly boost earnings.

Investing time and effort into these areas can make a big difference. Each step taken towards improving skills and market presence can lead to more lucrative job offers. A data scientist who masters these factors positions themselves for long-term financial success in their career.

Here are the top factors to consider for increasing earnings as a data scientist:

  • Specialization: Focus on areas like machine learning or data engineering.
  • Continuous Learning: Take courses and earn certifications to stay current.
  • Portfolio Development: Create a strong portfolio with real projects.
  • Networking: Connect with industry professionals and attend events.
  • Salary Negotiation: Know the market rate and negotiate confidently.

Currently 777 Data Scientist job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Data Scientist in the US?

Learn what a Data Scientist does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Data Scientist today.
Position
Overview
Data Scientist
777 Job Openings