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Data Scientist Salary 2026: $120,230 Median, $185,080 in San Jose, and 2.5 Times the Jobs of 2021

The median data scientist salary in the United States was $120,230 a year ($57.80 an hour) in May 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay runs from $67,240 at the 10th percentile to $199,130 at the 90th. San Jose pays the most, $185,080, and employment reached 262,440, up from 105,980 in 2021.

$120,230U.S. median, May 2025 (+6.8% on May 2024)
$67,240 to $199,13010th to 90th percentile
$185,080San Jose metro median, highest of 282 metros
+34.6%projected job growth 2025 to 2035, 3rd fastest of 831 occupations

We downloaded the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) files for May 2025 and every year since May 2021, when SOC 15-2051 Data Scientists first appeared as its own occupation, and pulled every national, state, metro and industry estimate. We added the BLS 2025 to 2035 projections, CPI-U to restate older wages in 2025 dollars, BEA regional price parities for cost of living, and 30,760 certified H-1B Labor Condition Applications that show offered wages by Department of Labor experience level. Several pages ranking for this query still quote the May 2024 median of $112,590 or mix in job-board estimates; every figure here comes from a federal file listed in the references.

The data scientist pay ladder, from 10th to 90th percentile

Half of the 262,440 data scientists in the OEWS survey earned more than $120,230 and half earned less. The gap between the 10th percentile ($67,240) and the 90th ($199,130) is $131,890, so “the” salary depends heavily on where someone sits on the ladder. The red diamonds show what employers offered on H-1B filings at each of the four Department of Labor wage levels, which DOL ties to experience and job complexity.

$50K$75K$100K$125K$150K$175K$200K$225KDATA SCIENTISTS (SOC 15-2051), MAY 2025middle half earns $86K to $159K10th percentile: $67,240 a year, $32.33 an hour$67,24010th$32.33/hr25th percentile: $85,660 a year, $41.18 an hour$85,66025th$41.18/hrMedian percentile: $120,230 a year, $57.80 an hour$120,230Median$57.80/hr75th percentile: $158,880 a year, $76.39 an hour$158,88075th$76.39/hr90th percentile: $199,130 a year, $95.74 an hour$199,13090th$95.74/hrH-1B OFFERED WAGES BY DOL EXPERIENCE LEVEL, FY2025 (MEDIAN)Level I, entry: median offered wage $82,763 on 5,741 certified full-time LCAs (19% of filings)Level I, entry $83KLevel II, qualified: median offered wage $111,966 on 12,053 certified full-time LCAs (39% of filings)Level II, qualified $112KLevel III, experienced: median offered wage $150,000 on 6,174 certified full-time LCAs (20% of filings)Level III, experienced $150KLevel IV, fully competent: median offered wage $170,373 on 4,553 certified full-time LCAs (15% of filings)Level IV, fully competent $170KSoftware developers: 10th $82,460, 25th $105,210, median $135,980, 75th $171,980, 90th $214,670Software developersmedian $136KStatisticians: 10th $64,000, 25th $82,220, median $105,650, 75th $141,490, 90th $174,050Statisticiansmedian $106KOperations research analysts: 10th $57,060, 25th $68,360, median $88,940, 75th $125,990, 90th $159,910Operations research analystsmedian $89KAll U.S. occupations: 10th $31,200, 25th $37,590, median $50,980, 75th $80,520, 90th $128,560All U.S. occupationsmedian $51K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 national estimates; DOL OFLC LCA disclosure data FY2025 (certified, full-time H-1B, SOC 15-2051, n = 30,760). Hover for exact values; on a phone, wide charts scroll sideways.

Entry-level vs senior data scientist pay

OEWS has no experience field, so it cannot say what a new graduate earns. Two federal sources bracket it. The bottom of the BLS ladder sits at $67,240 (10th) and $85,660 (25th). On H-1B filings, Level I, which DOL guidance assigns to “beginning level employees who have only a basic understanding of the occupation”, had a median offered wage of $82,763. Level IV, the fully competent tier, had a median of $170,373, close to the BLS 75th percentile of $158,880. Level II accounted for 39% of the filings, the largest share.

DOL wage level (H-1B LCA) Certified full-time filings Share Median offered wage
Level I, entry 5,741 18.7% $82,763
Level II, qualified 12,053 39.2% $111,966
Level III, experienced 6,174 20.1% $150,000
Level IV, fully competent 4,553 14.8% $170,373

7.3% of filings list no wage level (wage set by a survey or agreement) and are excluded from this table. LCA counts are filings, not hires.

What BLS counts as a data scientist. SOC 15-2051 covers workers who apply data mining, modeling, natural language processing and machine learning to large datasets, and it explicitly excludes statisticians. The 2018 SOC direct-match titles for the code include Business Intelligence Developer, Data Analytics Specialist, Data Mining Analyst and Data Visualization Developer. O*NET splits it further, and 40% of the H-1B filings coded 15-2051 use the O*NET title Business Intelligence Analysts (median offer $117,291, against $129,022 for filings titled Data Scientists). The BLS median therefore blends analyst-style and research-style roles.

Data scientist vs software engineer, statistician and other roles

Data scientists earn $15,750 less than software developers at the median ($120,230 vs $135,980), a role our software engineer salary atlas maps metro by metro, and $14,580 more than statisticians. The gap with developers holds at every percentile: $15,220 at the 10th and $15,540 at the 90th. Data scientists also have the fastest projected growth in the group.

Occupation Jobs, May 2025 10th 25th Median 75th 90th Hourly median Projected growth 2025 to 35
Data scientists 15-2051 262,440 $67,240 $85,660 $120,230 $158,880 $199,130 $57.80 +34.6%
Software developers 15-1252 1,687,890 $82,460 $105,210 $135,980 $171,980 $214,670 $65.38 +10.2%
Computer and information research scientists 15-1221 37,200 $82,200 $103,570 $140,300 $188,700 $230,630 $67.45 +21.8%
Actuaries 15-2011 26,670 $78,570 $97,680 $130,000 $170,650 $215,100 $62.50 +9.2%
Statisticians 15-2041 29,030 $64,000 $82,220 $105,650 $141,490 $174,050 $50.79 +11.0%
Operations research analysts 15-2031 108,510 $57,060 $68,360 $88,940 $125,990 $159,910 $42.76 +11.9%
Market research analysts 13-1161 899,580 $43,390 $58,350 $78,760 $108,310 $155,480 $37.87 +7.0%
Computer and information systems managers 11-3021 670,570 $107,550 $138,060 $175,140 $220,730 $297,510 $84.20 +15.8%
All occupations 00-0000 155,495,730 $31,200 $37,590 $50,980 $80,520 $128,560 $24.51 +3.5%

Where data scientists earn the most: metro dot map

OEWS publishes a data scientist median for 282 of 291 metro areas. Among the 45 metros with at least 1,000 data scientists, 17 pay above the national median. San Jose ($185,080), San Francisco ($170,110) and Seattle ($164,740) lead; Rochester, NY is lowest of that group at $92,800. Smaller metros can post high medians on few workers: Idaho Falls, ID reports $167,840 for 230 data scientists. Metro rankings for security, systems administration, network support and help desk roles are in our report on the highest-paying cities for IT jobs.

New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ: median $135,980 (+13% vs U.S.), 23,160 data scientistsSan Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA: median $170,110 (+41% vs U.S.), 10,460 data scientistsDallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX: median $127,750 (+6% vs U.S.), 10,120 data scientistsLos Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA: median $129,740 (+8% vs U.S.), 9,850 data scientistsWashington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV: median $132,200 (+10% vs U.S.), 9,260 data scientistsSeattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA: median $164,740 (+37% vs U.S.), 8,370 data scientistsChicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN: median $107,640 (-10% vs U.S.), 7,940 data scientistsBoston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH: median $132,040 (+10% vs U.S.), 7,930 data scientistsAtlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA: median $108,940 (-9% vs U.S.), 6,820 data scientistsPhiladelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD: median $109,910 (-9% vs U.S.), 6,480 data scientistsSan Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA: median $185,080 (+54% vs U.S.), 6,060 data scientistsDenver-Aurora-Centennial, CO: median $112,520 (-6% vs U.S.), 4,510 data scientistsCharlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC: median $132,460 (+10% vs U.S.), 4,420 data scientistsHouston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX: median $106,750 (-11% vs U.S.), 4,060 data scientistsDetroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI: median $103,330 (-14% vs U.S.), 3,810 data scientistsAustin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX: median $127,360 (+6% vs U.S.), 3,730 data scientistsPhoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ: median $114,540 (-5% vs U.S.), 3,480 data scientistsMinneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI: median $129,780 (+8% vs U.S.), 3,250 data scientistsMiami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL: median $127,450 (+6% vs U.S.), 3,040 data scientistsSalt Lake City-Murray, UT: median $114,990 (-4% vs U.S.), 2,970 data scientistsSan Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA: median $130,990 (+9% vs U.S.), 2,830 data scientistsSacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA: median $103,700 (-14% vs U.S.), 2,710 data scientistsSt. Louis, MO-IL: median $99,600 (-17% vs U.S.), 2,640 data scientistsPittsburgh, PA: median $96,670 (-20% vs U.S.), 2,270 data scientistsRaleigh-Cary, NC: median $120,710 (+0% vs U.S.), 1,990 data scientistsIndianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN: median $99,110 (-18% vs U.S.), 1,880 data scientistsSan Antonio-New Braunfels, TX: median $103,290 (-14% vs U.S.), 1,730 data scientistsTampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater, FL: median $109,990 (-9% vs U.S.), 1,730 data scientistsPortland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA: median $129,600 (+8% vs U.S.), 1,700 data scientistsCincinnati, OH-KY-IN: median $102,650 (-15% vs U.S.), 1,680 data scientistsColumbus, OH: median $107,950 (-10% vs U.S.), 1,480 data scientistsOrlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL: median $106,590 (-11% vs U.S.), 1,440 data scientistsNashville-Davidson–Murfreesboro–Franklin, TN: median $103,020 (-14% vs U.S.), 1,360 data scientistsDurham-Chapel Hill, NC: median $106,500 (-11% vs U.S.), 1,320 data scientistsCleveland, OH: median $101,860 (-15% vs U.S.), 1,260 data scientistsKansas City, MO-KS: median $99,870 (-17% vs U.S.), 1,260 data scientistsDes Moines-West Des Moines, IA: median $103,030 (-14% vs U.S.), 1,240 data scientistsOmaha, NE-IA: median $100,830 (-16% vs U.S.), 1,200 data scientistsRochester, NY: median $92,800 (-23% vs U.S.), 1,190 data scientistsLas Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV: median $98,930 (-18% vs U.S.), 1,180 data scientistsProvidence-Warwick, RI-MA: median $102,440 (-15% vs U.S.), 1,170 data scientistsBaltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD: median $134,320 (+12% vs U.S.), 1,090 data scientistsMilwaukee-Waukesha, WI: median $104,710 (-13% vs U.S.), 1,080 data scientistsRichmond, VA: median $122,510 (+2% vs U.S.), 1,050 data scientistsRiverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA: median $112,910 (-6% vs U.S.), 1,000 data scientistsJacksonville, FL: median $122,680 (+2% vs U.S.), 880 data scientistsGrand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI: median $96,880 (-19% vs U.S.), 850 data scientistsBuffalo-Cheektowaga, NY: median $102,250 (-15% vs U.S.), 840 data scientistsProvo-Orem-Lehi, UT: median $103,340 (-14% vs U.S.), 840 data scientistsAlbany-Schenectady-Troy, NY: median $98,940 (-18% vs U.S.), 830 data scientistsOklahoma City, OK: median $91,240 (-24% vs U.S.), 820 data scientistsBaton Rouge, LA: median $78,760 (-34% vs U.S.), 770 data scientistsVirginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC: median $100,300 (-17% vs U.S.), 770 data scientistsGreenville-Anderson-Greer, SC: median $91,490 (-24% vs U.S.), 660 data scientistsLouisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN: median $99,980 (-17% vs U.S.), 650 data scientistsPortland-South Portland, ME: median $97,840 (-19% vs U.S.), 620 data scientistsHuntsville, AL: median $111,810 (-7% vs U.S.), 620 data scientistsBoise City, ID: median $97,950 (-19% vs U.S.), 600 data scientistsTulsa, OK: median $86,310 (-28% vs U.S.), 600 data scientistsBloomington, IL: median $120,760 (+0% vs U.S.), 590 data scientistsColumbia, SC: median $88,260 (-27% vs U.S.), 590 data scientistsColorado Springs, CO: median $127,600 (+6% vs U.S.), 580 data scientistsBridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT: median $141,760 (+18% vs U.S.), 570 data scientistsHartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT: median $126,340 (+5% vs U.S.), 560 data scientistsBoulder, CO: median $134,040 (+11% vs U.S.), 540 data scientistsHarrisburg-Carlisle, PA: median $96,760 (-20% vs U.S.), 500 data scientistsBirmingham, AL: median $94,240 (-22% vs U.S.), 490 data scientistsAllentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA-NJ: median $101,970 (-15% vs U.S.), 490 data scientistsWorcester, MA: median $123,640 (+3% vs U.S.), 490 data scientistsLansing-East Lansing, MI: median $87,160 (-28% vs U.S.), 490 data scientistsOxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA: median $126,360 (+5% vs U.S.), 460 data scientistsLincoln, NE: median $87,890 (-27% vs U.S.), 450 data scientistsTrenton-Princeton, NJ: median $135,320 (+13% vs U.S.), 430 data scientistsMemphis, TN-MS-AR: median $102,220 (-15% vs U.S.), 410 data scientistsGreensboro-High Point, NC: median $106,060 (-12% vs U.S.), 370 data scientistsTucson, AZ: median $83,650 (-30% vs U.S.), 360 data scientistsAlbuquerque, NM: median $98,750 (-18% vs U.S.), 360 data scientistsSyracuse, NY: median $108,680 (-10% vs U.S.), 350 data scientistsPeoria, IL: median $120,000 (-0% vs U.S.), 340 data scientistsAnn Arbor, MI: median $112,680 (-6% vs U.S.), 340 data scientistsReno, NV: median $97,940 (-19% vs U.S.), 330 data scientistsEl Paso, TX: median $95,430 (-21% vs U.S.), 320 data scientistsKnoxville, TN: median $92,640 (-23% vs U.S.), 320 data scientistsOgden, UT: median $100,190 (-17% vs U.S.), 310 data scientistsDayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH: median $94,620 (-21% vs U.S.), 310 data scientistsSpringfield, MA: median $121,090 (+1% vs U.S.), 300 data scientistsWinston-Salem, NC: median $101,570 (-16% vs U.S.), 300 data scientistsOshkosh-Neenah, WI: median $100,920 (-16% vs U.S.), 290 data scientistsManchester-Nashua, NH: median $103,790 (-14% vs U.S.), 280 data scientistsPalm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL: median $105,400 (-12% vs U.S.), 280 data scientistsDavenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL: median $106,340 (-12% vs U.S.), 280 data scientistsFayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR: median $125,590 (+4% vs U.S.), 280 data scientistsFort Wayne, IN: median $94,470 (-21% vs U.S.), 270 data scientistsAkron, OH: median $99,780 (-17% vs U.S.), 270 data scientistsUrban Honolulu, HI: median $102,080 (-15% vs U.S.), 250 data scientistsGreen Bay, WI: median $99,340 (-17% vs U.S.), 240 data scientistsKiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY: median $107,310 (-11% vs U.S.), 240 data scientistsIdaho Falls, ID: median $167,840 (+40% vs U.S.), 230 data scientistsLexington-Fayette, KY: median $84,460 (-30% vs U.S.), 230 data scientistsFresno, CA: median $101,250 (-16% vs U.S.), 220 data scientistsFort Collins-Loveland, CO: median $111,310 (-7% vs U.S.), 220 data scientistsAugusta-Richmond County, GA-SC: median $92,800 (-23% vs U.S.), 220 data scientistsNorth Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL: median $146,980 (+22% vs U.S.), 210 data scientistsScranton–Wilkes-Barre, PA: median $84,750 (-30% vs U.S.), 200 data scientistsChattanooga, TN-GA: median $91,340 (-24% vs U.S.), 200 data scientistsNew Orleans-Metairie, LA: median $98,390 (-18% vs U.S.), 200 data scientistsBakersfield-Delano, CA: median $92,200 (-23% vs U.S.), 200 data scientistsSpringfield, MO: median $81,310 (-32% vs U.S.), 190 data scientistsColumbia, MO: median $80,980 (-33% vs U.S.), 190 data scientistsLakeland-Winter Haven, FL: median $119,340 (-1% vs U.S.), 190 data scientistsLancaster, PA: median $90,960 (-24% vs U.S.), 190 data scientistsSanta Maria-Santa Barbara, CA: median $113,990 (-5% vs U.S.), 190 data scientistsReading, PA: median $100,340 (-17% vs U.S.), 190 data scientistsCedar Rapids, IA: median $99,410 (-17% vs U.S.), 180 data scientistsIowa City, IA: median $72,120 (-40% vs U.S.), 170 data scientistsSpartanburg, SC: median $94,330 (-22% vs U.S.), 170 data scientistsWaterbury-Shelton, CT: median $59,160 (-51% vs U.S.), 170 data scientistsCrestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL: median $83,340 (-31% vs U.S.), 160 data scientistsSpokane-Spokane Valley, WA: median $117,250 (-2% vs U.S.), 160 data scientistsSavannah, GA: median $97,200 (-19% vs U.S.), 160 data scientistsWilmington, NC: median $93,090 (-23% vs U.S.), 160 data scientistsTallahassee, FL: median $94,620 (-21% vs U.S.), 160 data scientistsToledo, OH: median $82,000 (-32% vs U.S.), 150 data scientistsNew Haven, CT: median $121,880 (+1% vs U.S.), 150 data scientistsKalamazoo-Portage, MI: median $80,830 (-33% vs U.S.), 150 data scientistsSioux Falls, SD-MN: median $99,560 (-17% vs U.S.), 150 data scientistsUtica-Rome, NY: median $79,100 (-34% vs U.S.), 150 data scientistsKennewick-Richland, WA: median $156,830 (+30% vs U.S.), 150 data scientistsEvansville, IN: median $83,140 (-31% vs U.S.), 140 data scientistsColumbus, GA-AL: median $78,620 (-35% vs U.S.), 140 data scientistsErie, PA: median $79,560 (-34% vs U.S.), 140 data scientistsChampaign-Urbana, IL: median $91,760 (-24% vs U.S.), 140 data scientistsIthaca, NY: median $74,170 (-38% vs U.S.), 140 data scientistsMcAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX: median $91,630 (-24% vs U.S.), 130 data scientistsSouth Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI: median $81,570 (-32% vs U.S.), 130 data scientistsPensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL: median $101,490 (-16% vs U.S.), 130 data scientistsYork-Hanover, PA: median $97,510 (-19% vs U.S.), 130 data scientistsAsheville, NC: median $97,690 (-19% vs U.S.), 130 data scientistsLittle Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR: median $103,510 (-14% vs U.S.), 130 data scientistsSanta Rosa-Petaluma, CA: median $119,930 (-0% vs U.S.), 130 data scientistsJefferson City, MO: median $80,220 (-33% vs U.S.), 120 data scientistsAnchorage, AK: median $98,630 (-18% vs U.S.), 120 data scientistsOlympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA: median $120,040 (-0% vs U.S.), 120 data scientistsBinghamton, NY: median $103,130 (-14% vs U.S.), 110 data scientistsJackson, MS: median $98,290 (-18% vs U.S.), 110 data scientistsWarner Robins, GA: median $87,060 (-28% vs U.S.), 110 data scientistsCollege Station-Bryan, TX: median $100,280 (-17% vs U.S.), 110 data scientistsFlint, MI: median $79,610 (-34% vs U.S.), 110 data scientistsHickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC: median $95,290 (-21% vs U.S.), 110 data scientistsFlorence, SC: median $80,050 (-33% vs U.S.), 110 data scientistsMyrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC: median $91,740 (-24% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsFargo, ND-MN: median $92,050 (-23% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsSpringfield, IL: median $92,000 (-23% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsWaco, TX: median $95,730 (-20% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsMobile, AL: median $83,910 (-30% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsGreeley, CO: median $116,790 (-3% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsCharleston, WV: median $79,860 (-34% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsStockton-Lodi, CA: median $101,370 (-16% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsMidland, TX: median $125,330 (+4% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsRockford, IL: median $92,990 (-23% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsKilleen-Temple, TX: median $98,620 (-18% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsAmes, IA: median $79,430 (-34% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsElkhart-Goshen, IN: median $81,420 (-32% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsBurlington-South Burlington, VT: median $131,820 (+10% vs U.S.), 100 data scientistsSalinas, CA: median $99,850 (-17% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsState College, PA: median $81,840 (-32% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsDubuque, IA: median $74,790 (-38% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsEugene-Springfield, OR: median $107,130 (-11% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsSalem, OR: median $124,040 (+3% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsLexington Park, MD: median $129,020 (+7% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsDeltona-Daytona Beach-Ormond Beach, FL: median $100,950 (-16% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsFayetteville, NC: median $106,270 (-12% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsLa Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN: median $100,990 (-16% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsAppleton, WI: median $103,210 (-14% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsLubbock, TX: median $89,490 (-26% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsKingsport-Bristol, TN-VA: median $98,470 (-18% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsBeaumont-Port Arthur, TX: median $97,980 (-19% vs U.S.), 90 data scientistsBend, OR: median $106,790 (-11% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsGreenville, NC: median $101,520 (-16% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsBurlington, NC: median $96,300 (-20% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsSaginaw, MI: median $85,460 (-29% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsSanta Cruz-Watsonville, CA: median $130,980 (+9% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsCorpus Christi, TX: median $113,450 (-6% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsMontgomery, AL: median $87,640 (-27% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsModesto, CA: median $104,990 (-13% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsMacon-Bibb County, GA: median $95,550 (-21% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsKenosha, WI: median $106,120 (-12% vs U.S.), 80 data scientistsMidland, MI: median $84,520 (-30% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsLewiston-Auburn, ME: median $81,570 (-32% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsGainesville, FL: median $109,800 (-9% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsAmarillo, TX: median $101,350 (-16% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsLogan, UT-ID: median $79,880 (-34% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsGainesville, GA: median $84,670 (-30% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsWichita, KS: median $94,680 (-21% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsLafayette-West Lafayette, IN: median $79,280 (-34% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsAtlantic City-Hammonton, NJ: median $97,930 (-19% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsEau Claire, WI: median $99,410 (-17% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsJanesville-Beloit, WI: median $99,630 (-17% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsBarnstable Town, MA: median $129,530 (+8% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsVallejo, CA: median $104,530 (-13% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsWaterloo-Cedar Falls, IA: median $82,050 (-32% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsJackson, MI: median $107,640 (-10% vs U.S.), 70 data scientistsSt. George, UT: median $98,130 (-18% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsRedding, CA: median $96,960 (-19% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsSan Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA: median $114,830 (-4% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsJoplin, MO-KS: median $96,650 (-20% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsCorvallis, OR: median $140,190 (+17% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsTraverse City, MI: median $77,420 (-36% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsHilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC: median $93,930 (-22% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsWinchester, VA-WV: median $129,990 (+8% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsNorwich-New London-Willimantic, CT: median $101,940 (-15% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsCanton-Massillon, OH: median $88,110 (-27% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsBlacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA: median $89,070 (-26% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsBremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA: median $134,220 (+12% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsLongview, TX: median $107,270 (-11% vs U.S.), 60 data scientistsRacine-Mount Pleasant, WI: median $104,530 (-13% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsBozeman, MT: median $120,500 (+0% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsClarksville, TN-KY: median $79,200 (-34% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsBloomington, IN: median $83,020 (-31% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsDuluth, MN-WI: median $99,400 (-17% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsBismarck, ND: median $76,960 (-36% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsBillings, MT: median $97,280 (-19% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsYoungstown-Warren, OH: median $79,720 (-34% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsAltoona, PA: median $91,170 (-24% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsAlbany, GA: median $97,350 (-19% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsDalton, GA: median $101,020 (-16% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsWausau, WI: median $104,420 (-13% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsFlagstaff, AZ: median $95,080 (-21% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsPrescott Valley-Prescott, AZ: median $79,990 (-33% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsHagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV: median $97,190 (-19% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsHuntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH: median $91,130 (-24% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsLafayette, LA: median $98,130 (-18% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsLaredo, TX: median $78,100 (-35% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsTuscaloosa, AL: median $92,880 (-23% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsNaples-Marco Island, FL: median $115,140 (-4% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsNiles, MI: median $95,350 (-21% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsTerre Haute, IN: median $77,220 (-36% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsPanama City-Panama City Beach, FL: median $87,750 (-27% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsPittsfield, MA: median $103,590 (-14% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsYuma, AZ: median $97,580 (-19% vs U.S.), 50 data scientistsWilliamsport, PA: median $70,190 (-42% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsVisalia, CA: median $97,870 (-19% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsTopeka, KS: median $94,780 (-21% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsAbilene, TX: median $83,600 (-30% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsSlidell-Mandeville-Covington, LA: median $115,140 (-4% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsBowling Green, KY: median $65,620 (-45% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsGulfport-Biloxi, MS: median $73,360 (-39% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsHarrisonburg, VA: median $79,560 (-34% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsHattiesburg, MS: median $72,930 (-39% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsColumbus, IN: median $94,700 (-21% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsKingston, NY: median $105,160 (-13% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsLewiston, ID-WA: median $81,250 (-32% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsSioux City, IA-NE-SD: median $90,030 (-25% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsMonroe, MI: median $96,140 (-20% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsMorgantown, WV: median $78,950 (-34% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsChambersburg, PA: median $86,060 (-28% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsMuskegon-Norton Shores, MI: median $79,480 (-34% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsBellingham, WA: median $120,180 (-0% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsOcala, FL: median $93,760 (-22% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsPinehurst-Southern Pines, NC: median $102,740 (-15% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsPocatello, ID: median $79,300 (-34% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsPort St. Lucie, FL: median $95,190 (-21% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsAmherst Town-Northampton, MA: median $94,640 (-21% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsSheboygan, WI: median $126,270 (+5% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsShreveport-Bossier City, LA: median $98,400 (-18% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsSierra Vista-Douglas, AZ: median $103,440 (-14% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsGrand Junction, CO: median $111,300 (-7% vs U.S.), 40 data scientistsDaphne-Fairhope-Foley, AL: median $71,240 (-41% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsAthens-Clarke County, GA: median $76,090 (-37% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsMissoula, MT: median $90,850 (-24% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsGlens Falls, NY: median $104,620 (-13% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsJohnson City, TN: median $69,330 (-42% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsMuncie, IN: median $82,160 (-32% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsTwin Falls, ID: median $93,330 (-22% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsNapa, CA: median $101,830 (-15% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsRocky Mount, NC: median $111,870 (-7% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsRome, GA: median $92,130 (-23% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsLas Cruces, NM: median $94,950 (-21% vs U.S.), 30 data scientistsCharlottesville, VA: median $149,800 (+25% vs U.S.), employment not publishedRoanoke, VA: median $106,090 (-12% vs U.S.), employment not publishedTyler, TX: median $108,780 (-10% vs U.S.), employment not publishedSan Jose $185KSan Francisco $170KSeattle $165KNew York $136KWashington $132KBoston $132KDallas $128KCharlotte $132KIdaho Falls $168KChicago $108KAtlanta $109KLos Angeles $130KAustin $127K
More than 15% below U.S. 1705% to 15% below 55Within 5% of U.S. 235% to 20% above 26More than 20% above 7Dot size: under 500, 500 to 1,999, 2,000 to 4,999, 5,000+ data scientists

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 metropolitan estimates; positions are Census 2024 Gazetteer CBSA internal points. 1 metro(s) in Puerto Rico not shown. Colors compare each metro median with the U.S. median of $120,230.

The ten metros with the most data scientists hold 38% of the national total. Cost of living narrows the coastal premium but does not erase it: adjusted with BEA metro price parities, San Jose, CA still ranks first among large metros at $167,610.

The 25 metros with the most data scientists

Metro Jobs Location quotient 10th Median 90th Cost-adjusted median
New York, NY 23,160 1.45 $79,870 $135,980 $216,030 $120,803
San Francisco, CA 10,460 2.61 $99,170 $170,110 $272,430 $147,137
Dallas, TX 10,120 1.48 $65,190 $127,750 $173,340 $123,921
Los Angeles, CA 9,850 0.93 $71,080 $129,740 $208,280 $114,242
Washington, DC 9,260 1.75 $85,250 $132,200 $212,320 $121,414
Seattle, WA 8,370 2.38 $81,130 $164,740 $230,980 $148,237
Chicago, IL 7,940 1.04 $70,740 $107,640 $168,880 $103,905
Boston, MA 7,930 1.74 $82,030 $132,040 $206,220 $121,959
Atlanta, GA 6,820 1.40 $72,430 $108,940 $172,130 $108,877
Philadelphia, PA 6,480 1.32 $67,950 $109,910 $181,560 $107,173
San Jose, CA 6,060 3.16 $109,740 $185,080 $282,840 $167,610
Denver, CO 4,510 1.66 $74,830 $112,520 $178,700 $106,370
Charlotte, NC 4,420 1.93 $70,790 $132,460 $171,200 $136,069
Houston, TX 4,060 0.73 $62,980 $106,750 $167,230 $108,234
Detroit, MI 3,810 1.18 $62,400 $103,330 $168,510 $103,023
Austin, TX 3,730 1.71 $74,640 $127,360 $186,010 $129,872
Phoenix, AZ 3,480 0.87 $68,880 $114,540 $165,520 $110,864
Minneapolis, MN 3,250 0.99 $71,990 $129,780 $195,530 $123,810
Miami, FL 3,040 0.64 $62,590 $127,450 $199,130 $111,646
Salt Lake City, UT 2,970 2.13 $62,050 $114,990 $159,820 $114,000
San Diego, CA 2,830 1.09 $74,110 $130,990 $201,190 $117,073
Sacramento, CA 2,710 1.49 $77,430 $103,700 $160,740 $97,216
St. Louis, MO 2,640 1.17 $59,500 $99,600 $158,310 $104,745
Pittsburgh, PA 2,270 1.21 $60,580 $96,670 $157,600 $102,112
Raleigh, NC 1,990 1.59 $72,190 $120,710 $180,850 $122,976

Location quotient above 1 means data scientists are a larger share of local jobs than nationally. Cost-adjusted median = median divided by the BEA 2024 regional price parity / 100.

Data scientist salary by state

Washington has the highest state median at $163,350, followed by California ($141,590). The largest employers are California (39,310), Texas (25,860) and New York (23,970). After cost-of-living adjustment, Washington stays first ($152,645) and Minnesota is second. Mississippi has the lowest median ($69,490). Delaware has no published median. State pay for other IT occupations is in our IT salaries by state report.

Rank State Jobs 10th Median 90th BEA price parity Cost-adjusted median Adjusted rank
1 Washington 9,600 $79,930 $163,350 $220,040 107.0 $152,645 1
2 California 39,310 $77,480 $141,590 $224,920 110.7 $127,881 5
3 Maryland 3,340 $77,930 $136,370 $213,270 105.0 $129,927 3
4 New Jersey 6,430 $80,720 $135,280 $203,950 108.8 $124,333 11
5 Massachusetts 9,420 $81,030 $131,750 $206,220 105.8 $124,578 10
6 New York 23,970 $73,330 $130,460 $214,080 107.9 $120,885 14
7 Minnesota 4,020 $65,730 $128,800 $179,640 98.6 $130,601 2
8 Vermont 200 $76,570 $127,070 $160,430 98.0 $129,719 4
9 District of Columbia 2,680 $89,750 $126,490 $209,730 109.9 $115,094 16
10 Virginia 8,920 $76,420 $126,430 $207,890 101.1 $125,049 9
11 Connecticut 1,760 $75,700 $126,340 $204,680 103.6 $121,938 12
12 Oregon 2,140 $78,110 $125,990 $206,550 103.4 $121,893 13
13 Texas 25,860 $64,540 $122,090 $170,780 97.1 $125,792 8
14 North Carolina 11,430 $65,970 $119,090 $172,830 94.3 $126,254 6
15 Colorado 6,280 $74,470 $117,400 $189,630 103.1 $113,923 17
16 Florida 10,240 $63,080 $115,820 $174,140 103.4 $111,996 19
17 Arkansas 530 $67,090 $109,390 $169,110 86.9 $125,827 7
18 Utah 4,360 $60,680 $108,090 $167,890 98.9 $109,332 22
19 Arizona 4,560 $65,200 $107,240 $161,730 100.7 $106,519 31
20 Pennsylvania 13,810 $63,340 $106,850 $162,290 97.6 $109,509 21
21 Wisconsin 4,370 $76,300 $106,680 $168,810 94.1 $113,375 18
22 Illinois 10,520 $68,810 $106,560 $168,880 100.0 $106,605 30
23 Georgia 9,260 $67,750 $104,340 $170,010 96.3 $108,357 28
24 Alabama 1,740 $59,130 $103,120 $161,590 88.8 $116,096 15
25 Ohio 6,100 $61,710 $102,630 $160,650 92.8 $110,624 20
26 Rhode Island 1,160 $75,310 $102,440 $158,820 102.3 $100,156 36
27 Hawaii 300 $77,270 $102,130 $172,870 110.0 $92,887 45
28 New Hampshire 1,100 $73,480 $100,620 $155,020 104.2 $96,597 41
29 Michigan 7,360 $60,830 $100,590 $162,670 96.2 $104,545 33
30 Montana 220 $67,120 $100,490 $167,150 94.6 $106,176 32
31 Tennessee 2,790 $60,200 $100,330 $156,160 91.9 $109,209 23
32 Nevada 1,680 $57,150 $98,540 $164,110 100.0 $98,561 37
33 Nebraska 1,980 $66,230 $98,230 $133,140 90.1 $109,020 25
34 Kansas 490 $60,520 $98,130 $154,990 90.1 $108,951 26
35 Missouri 4,730 $58,960 $97,090 $151,380 90.8 $106,907 29
36 South Dakota 220 $67,510 $96,150 $145,510 88.6 $108,539 27
37 New Mexico 560 $49,990 $95,850 $133,660 92.2 $103,945 34
38 Iowa 2,300 $56,070 $95,830 $146,700 87.8 $109,193 24
39 South Carolina 3,750 $61,600 $91,990 $156,000 93.7 $98,124 39
40 Kentucky 1,540 $61,990 $91,760 $156,480 90.2 $101,776 35
41 Indiana 3,580 $58,750 $91,470 $141,250 93.3 $98,008 40
42 Maine 1,210 $60,280 $90,880 $138,530 97.0 $93,642 43
43 Idaho 1,350 $63,980 $89,380 $169,010 95.5 $93,598 44
44 Oklahoma 1,900 $58,690 $86,310 $145,580 87.8 $98,255 38
45 West Virginia 390 $57,500 $85,090 $125,100 89.5 $95,076 42
46 Alaska 230 $51,550 $84,110 $138,400 102.4 $82,172 48
47 North Dakota 210 $59,030 $81,900 $126,710 89.0 $92,065 46
48 Louisiana 1,300 $53,050 $78,760 $128,210 88.2 $89,290 47
49 Mississippi 440 $43,940 $69,490 $125,990 87.0 $79,917 49

Which industries pay data scientists the most

Of the 26 industries with at least 2,000 data scientists, taxi and limousine service (NAICS 4853, whose 2022 definition includes ridesharing and ride-hailing services; $171,590), media streaming and social networks, and web search portals pay the highest medians. The two biggest employers, management of companies (28,620 jobs, $128,050) and computer systems design (27,590, $132,380), together hold 21% of all data scientists. Insurance carriers ($107,680) and universities ($81,120) sit below the national median. By ownership, private employers pay a $122,580 median against $93,190 across all levels of government (federal alone: $128,710).

$80K$100K$120K$140K$160K$180Kall data scientists $120,230Taxi and Limousine Service (NAICS 485300): median $171,590, 10th $137,840, 90th $219,390, 2,000 data scientistsTaxi and Limousine Service 2.0K$172KMedia streaming, social networks and content providers (NAICS 516200): median $169,080, 10th $80,020, 90th $279,700, 3,660 data scientistsMedia streaming, social networks and content providers 3.7K$169KWeb search portals and other information services (NAICS 519200): median $164,670, 10th $68,580, 90th $233,000, 2,420 data scientistsWeb search portals and other information services 2.4K$165KSoftware Publishers (NAICS 513200): median $156,220, 10th $78,110, 90th $224,540, 10,950 data scientistsSoftware Publishers 10.9K$156KSecurities and other financial investments (NAICS 523000): median $134,510, 10th $68,060, 90th $215,610, 7,210 data scientistsSecurities and other financial investments 7.2K$135KComputer Systems Design and Related Services (NAICS 541500): median $132,380, 10th $78,480, 90th $201,310, 27,590 data scientistsComputer Systems Design and Related Services 27.6K$132KScientific Research and Development Services (NAICS 541700): median $131,420, 10th $74,590, 90th $210,490, 11,480 data scientistsScientific Research and Development Services 11.5K$131KTelecommunications (NAICS 517000): median $131,230, 10th $77,610, 90th $185,930, 2,190 data scientistsTelecommunications 2.2K$131KBanking and credit intermediation (5221, 5223) (NAICS 5220A1): median $130,300, 10th $77,700, 90th $199,130, 12,450 data scientistsBanking and credit intermediation (5221, 5223) 12.4K$130KComputing infrastructure, data processing and hosting (NAICS 518200): median $129,590, 10th $67,880, 90th $219,830, 11,320 data scientistsComputing infrastructure, data processing and hosting 11.3K$130KProfessional and commercial equipment wholesalers (NAICS 423400): median $129,210, 10th $74,990, 90th $206,730, 2,790 data scientistsProfessional and commercial equipment wholesalers 2.8K$129KAccounting, tax and payroll services (NAICS 541200): median $128,120, 10th $79,050, 90th $206,930, 3,320 data scientistsAccounting, tax and payroll services 3.3K$128KManagement of Companies and Enterprises (NAICS 551100): median $128,050, 10th $77,520, 90th $185,080, 28,620 data scientistsManagement of Companies and Enterprises 28.6K$128KNondepository Credit Intermediation (NAICS 522200): median $126,650, 10th $76,200, 90th $207,780, 4,050 data scientistsNondepository Credit Intermediation 4.0K$127KManagement, scientific and technical consulting (NAICS 541600): median $112,520, 10th $71,900, 90th $206,220, 15,060 data scientistsManagement, scientific and technical consulting 15.1K$113KInsurance agencies and brokerages (NAICS 524200): median $110,880, 10th $63,680, 90th $185,350, 7,420 data scientistsInsurance agencies and brokerages 7.4K$111KInsurance Carriers (NAICS 524100): median $107,680, 10th $74,260, 90th $163,850, 15,090 data scientistsInsurance Carriers 15.1K$108KAdvertising and public relations (NAICS 541800): median $106,910, 10th $63,970, 90th $187,350, 2,760 data scientistsAdvertising and public relations 2.8K$107KArchitectural and engineering services (NAICS 541300): median $105,400, 10th $66,500, 90th $174,410, 4,040 data scientistsArchitectural and engineering services 4.0K$105KBusiness Support Services (NAICS 561400): median $103,390, 10th $56,620, 90th $164,490, 2,600 data scientistsBusiness Support Services 2.6K$103KOther professional and technical services (NAICS 541900): median $103,210, 10th $65,020, 90th $206,180, 4,610 data scientistsOther professional and technical services 4.6K$103KEmployment Services (NAICS 561300): median $102,560, 10th $57,930, 90th $178,680, 8,050 data scientistsEmployment Services 8.1K$103KGeneral Medical and Surgical Hospitals (NAICS 622100): median $101,520, 10th $61,670, 90th $150,630, 7,050 data scientistsGeneral Medical and Surgical Hospitals 7.0K$102KOffice Administrative Services (NAICS 561100): median $99,790, 10th $58,440, 90th $169,390, 3,570 data scientistsOffice Administrative Services 3.6K$100KState Government (excl. schools, hospitals) (NAICS 999200): median $96,980, 10th $69,740, 90th $122,380, 2,720 data scientistsState Government (excl. schools, hospitals) 2.7K$97KColleges and universities (NAICS 611300): median $81,120, 10th $53,780, 90th $130,530, 6,220 data scientistsColleges and universities 6.2K$81K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025 national industry-specific estimates (4-digit NAICS). Industries with fewer than 2,000 data scientists are omitted here but included in the download.

Jobs boomed, pay kept pace with inflation

OEWS counted 105,980 data scientists in May 2021 and 262,440 in May 2025, 2.5 times as many (+12.4% in the last year alone). The nominal median rose +19.1% over the same four years, while consumer prices (CPI-U, May to May) rose 19.4%. In 2025 dollars the median went from $120,504 to $120,230 (-0.2%). Measured from May 2022, the first estimates under BLS’s current wage-processing method, the real median is up 5.6%, against -2.8% for software developers and +0.1% for all occupations. For the demand side, our tracker of tech job postings by role follows Indeed postings since 2020.

Jobs (OEWS employment)May 2021: 105,980 data scientists (OEWS)106K2021May 2022: 159,630 data scientists (OEWS)160K2022May 2023: 192,710 data scientists (OEWS)193K2023May 2024: 233,440 data scientists (OEWS)233K2024May 2025: 262,440 data scientists (OEWS)262K2025
Median wage: nominal vs 2025 dollars$90K$100K$110K$120K$130KMay 2021: median $100,910 nominal, $120,504 in May 2025 dollars2021May 2022: median $103,500 nominal, $113,829 in May 2025 dollars2022May 2023: median $108,020 nominal, $114,178 in May 2025 dollars2023May 2024: median $112,590 nominal, $115,241 in May 2025 dollars2024May 2025: median $120,230 nominal, $120,230 in May 2025 dollars2025$121K in 2025 $$101K nominal$120,230
Year Data scientist jobs Median, nominal CPI-U (May) Median, May 2025 dollars
May 2021 105,980 $100,910 269.195 $120,504
May 2022 159,630 $103,500 292.296 $113,829
May 2023 192,710 $108,020 304.127 $114,178
May 2024 233,440 $112,590 314.069 $115,241
May 2025 262,440 $120,230 321.465 $120,230

BLS cautions against using OEWS as a time series: the code is new since May 2021, wage processing changed in May 2022, and estimates pool three years of survey panels. Treat changes as indicative.

Job outlook 2025 to 2035

BLS projects data scientist employment to rise from 275,600 in 2025 to 371,000 in 2035, a gain of 95,400 jobs or 34.6%. Only 2 of 831 occupations in the projections grow faster. BLS expects about 24,800 openings a year, counting replacements for workers who leave, and lists a bachelor’s degree as the typical entry-level education. (The projections count self-employed workers too, so their 2025 base is higher than the OEWS count.)

What this means for MSPs and IT teams

Most MSPs do not need a data scientist on staff, but many now sell reporting, BI dashboards and AI pilots, and the BLS figures set the cost of doing that in-house. At the median, a data scientist costs $120,230 in wages before benefits; a junior hire near the 25th percentile is $85,660. Computer systems design and related services (NAICS 5415), the industry group that includes most MSPs, employs 27,590 data scientists at a $132,380 median, above the national figure. Because 40% of H-1B filings in this code are business intelligence analyst roles, check job titles before benchmarking: a BI analyst who builds Power BI reports and a machine learning scientist share a code but not a pay band. Away from the coasts, half of the 49 states with a published median sit at $102,630 or less, which keeps regional or remote hires within reach of smaller providers.

Frequently asked questions

How much do data scientists make?

The median annual wage for data scientists was $120,230 in May 2025 ($57.80 an hour), according to BLS OEWS data for SOC 15-2051. The middle half earned $85,660 to $158,880, and the mean was $126,800.

What is the entry-level data scientist salary?

BLS does not publish pay by experience. The 10th percentile was $67,240 and the 25th $85,660. On 5,741 certified H-1B filings at DOL wage Level I (entry), the median offered wage was $82,763 in fiscal 2025.

Which state pays data scientists the most?

Washington, with a $163,350 median, ahead of California at $141,590. After adjusting for BEA regional price parities, Washington still ranks first at $152,645. Mississippi has the lowest published median, $69,490.

Which city pays data scientists the most?

San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA, with a $185,080 median across 6,060 data scientists, then San Francisco ($170,110) and Seattle ($164,740). New York has the most data scientists, 23,160, at a $135,980 median.

Do data scientists make more than software engineers?

No. Software developers had a $135,980 median in May 2025, $15,750 more than data scientists’ $120,230. Data scientists out-earn statisticians ($105,650).

Is data science a growing field?

Yes. BLS projects data scientist employment to grow 34.6% from 2025 to 2035, the 3rd fastest of 831 occupations, with about 24,800 openings a year. OEWS counted 262,440 jobs in May 2025, up from 105,980 in May 2021.

Download the data. data-scientist-salary-bls-2025.csv (CSV). Licensed under CC BY 4.0: free to reuse with attribution to The Uptime Report.

Methodology

Sources. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 national, state, metropolitan, 4-digit industry and ownership files, and national files for May 2021 to May 2024 (special-request downloads, retrieved October 2026). BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035 (occupation.xlsx, Table 1.2). CPI-U, U.S. city average, all items, not seasonally adjusted (series CUUR0000SA0), May values. BEA Regional Price Parities 2024 (state SARPP and metro MARPP, all items). DOL Office of Foreign Labor Certification LCA disclosure data, fiscal 2025 quarters 1 to 4, deduplicated by case number.

Definitions. OEWS wages are straight-time gross pay, including base rate, cost-of-living allowances, incentive pay, commissions and production bonuses, and excluding overtime, nonproduction bonuses and employer-paid benefits. Annual figures assume 2,080 hours. OEWS excludes the self-employed. Real wages = nominal median times CPI-U (May 2025) divided by CPI-U (May of that year). Cost-adjusted = median divided by RPP/100.

H-1B filings. Certified, full-time H-1B LCAs with SOC 15-2051 (including O*NET 15-2051.01 and 15-2051.02), wage-rate-of-pay “from” value annualized (hour x 2,080, week x 52, bi-weekly x 26, month x 12) and kept between $20,000 and $1,000,000 (69 rows dropped). Offered wages apply to the first worksite. These are employer filings, not a sample of all data scientists.

Coverage and limits. 282 of 291 metros and 50 of 51 states and territories (including DC and Puerto Rico) have a published median; Puerto Rico ($80,350) is left out of the state ranking because BEA publishes no price parity for it. OEWS has no experience or education breakdown. BLS does not encourage OEWS time-series comparisons; the 2021 to 2025 changes are indicative. Location quotients and percentiles carry sampling error (relative standard error of the national mean wage: 0.7%).

Not advice. These are published wage statistics, not a salary offer benchmark for any single role.

Cite as:The Uptime Report. "Data Scientist Salary 2026: $120,230 Median, $185,080 in San Jose, and 2.5 Times the Jobs of 2021." October 2026. https://theuptimereport.com/data-scientist-salary-2026/

References

  1. BLS, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics tables, May 2025 (national, state, metro, industry downloads). Accessed October 2026.
  2. BLS, OEWS May 2025 technical notes. Accessed October 2026.
  3. BLS, OEWS frequently asked questions (time-series comparability, wage definition). Accessed October 2026.
  4. BLS, Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data Scientists. Accessed October 2026.
  5. BLS Employment Projections 2025 to 2035, occupation.xlsx. Accessed October 2026.
  6. BLS, Consumer Price Index time series (CUUR0000SA0). Accessed October 2026.
  7. BEA, Regional Price Parities by state and metro area, 2024. Accessed October 2026.
  8. DOL OFLC, LCA disclosure data, fiscal 2025. Accessed October 2026.
  9. DOL Employment and Training Administration, Prevailing Wage Determination Policy Guidance, November 2009 (wage level definitions). Accessed October 2026.
  10. BLS, 2018 Standard Occupational Classification definitions and direct-match title file. Accessed October 2026.
  11. O*NET OnLine, 15-2051.01 Business Intelligence Analysts. Accessed October 2026.
  12. U.S. Census Bureau, 2022 NAICS 485310 Taxi and Ridesharing Services. Accessed October 2026.
  13. U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 Gazetteer files (CBSA). Accessed October 2026.

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