Data Scientist Salary: Your 2026 Pay Guide

Key takeaways

A data scientist’s salary varies based on factors such as experience, education, and location. Explore key facts:

• According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a data scientist is $112,590 [1].

• To become a data scientist and potentially earn more in your career, consider completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree.

• You can earn more as a data scientist if you work in industries such as consumer services, the arts, agriculture, and information technology.

Learn more about what you can expect to earn as a data scientist, including how common factors such as experience and location may impact it. Afterward, consider enrolling in the Fractal Data Science Professional Certificate. In as little as five months, you’ll have the opportunity to create compelling data stories to influence your audience and master the art of critically analyzing data while making decisions and recommendations. Upon completion, add this credential to your resume or LinkedIn profile.

Data scientist average salary

Data scientists earn a higher-than-average salary. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary of a data scientist in the US was $112,590 as of May 2024 [1].

Other salary aggregation sites, however, note different average and median pay for data scientists. At a glance, explore what five different sources say you can expect to earn as a data professional [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]:

*The Glassdoor salary figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Numerous factors, including your experience level, education, and the location where you work, may influence how much you can expect to earn as a data scientist.

What is a data scientist?

A data scientist uses their analytical skills to organize and collect data. Data scientists use statistical analysis to report findings, such as trends, within data. As a data scientist, you may suggest strategies or methods to improve operations based on your findings, or you may improve algorithms yourself with a team of others.

Data scientist salary by experience

Typically, more work experience translates to higher pay. The more experienced you are as a data scientist, after all, the more valuable you are to an employer—and they're willing to pay for it. Discover what you can expect to earn by experience level as a data scientist, according to Glassdoor* [2]:

• 0–1 years: $133,000

• 1–3 years: $151,000

• 4–6 years: $175,000

• 7–9 years: $190,000

• 10–14 years: $210,000

• 15+ years: $234,000

*These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Data scientist salary by location

The data science field is well-suited for working from home thanks to its emphasis on independent work and technology. The average salary for a data scientist who works from home is $122,738 per year—though remote positions are typically competitive and may generally go to those with the most experience [6]. To help you get a better idea of how your geographic location might impact your salary, explore the average data science pay in different cities across the United States according to Indeed [3]:

Data scientist salary by industry

The industry you work in can play a significant role in your annual salary. According to Glassdoor*, the top-paying industries for a data scientist in the US include [2]:

• Personal consumer services: $153,905

• Arts, entertainment, and recreation: $153,312

• Agriculture: $150,930

• Information technology: $143,626

• Financial services: $143,618

*These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Data scientist salary by education

Data scientists must typically possess at least a bachelor's degree to qualify for the job. In fact, according to Zippia, 51 percent of data scientists have a bachelor’s degree, 34 percent have a master’s degree, and 13 percent have a doctorate (PhD) [7]. Data scientists commonly study mathematics, statistics, business, or engineering.

Additionally, Zippia reports the average annual salary for a data scientist with a bachelor’s degree as $101,455 versus that of a data scientist with a master’s degree as $109,454 [4]. This indicates that your data scientist salary will increase as you continue your education.

Job outlook for data scientists

Data science is a fast-growing career. According to the US BLS, the number of jobs for data scientists is projected to grow by 34 percent between 2024 and 2034, resulting in about 23,400 job openings a year throughout the next decade [1].

How to increase your data scientist salary

Data scientist salaries typically increase with your education level. If you don't yet have a degree, consider earning a bachelor's or master's degree in data science or a related field. Some higher-paying senior data scientist roles may require a PhD. If you want to obtain an advanced role, consider earning an advanced degree.

Build new skills as a data scientist

Degrees are just one of many ways to increase your salary. You may also obtain a higher salary by expanding your skill set. The list below outlines a few of the most important technical skills for data scientists to master:

• Machine learning/deep learning

• Artificial intelligence (AI)

• Risk analysis

• Cloud tools and data analysis platforms

• Software engineering skills/programming languages

• Statistical analysis

• Data mining and cleaning

• Big data

• Data warehousing and structures

In addition to technical skills and knowledge, it's essential for data scientists to be good communicators. You must be able to report your findings in an easily digestible way so that non-data scientists can understand them. Communication skills are especially important for those pursuing a role in data science management.

It’s really about the necessary skills, and being able to demonstrate that you can do the work. That’s what I achieved by completing this program and earning my credential.

— Emma S., on taking the IBM Data Science Professional Certificate

Enhancing your data scientist resume

One way to ensure your most in-demand skills stand out to employers is to earn a Professional Certificate in a relevant area of expertise. Professional Certificates on Coursera's platform are often provided by industry leaders and accredited universities such as IBM, Microsoft, Stanford University, and the University of Colorado Boulder.

Check out this list of online Specializations that provide you with a data science shareable certificate upon completion:

• Data Science Fundamentals with Python and SQL Specialization – IBM

• BI Foundations with SQL, ETL, and Data Warehousing Specialization – IBM

• Machine Learning Specialization – Stanford

• Foundations of Data Structures and Algorithms Specialization – University of Colorado Boulder

Read more: How to Create a Striking LinkedIn Profile: Guide + Tips

Stay current with data scientist trends and job opportunities

Subscribe to our Career Chat newsletter on LinkedIn to gain tips, trends, and insight from industry professionals. Then, explore free, digital resources:

• Watch on YouTube: 7 Essential Skills Every Data Scientist Should Have

• Take a quiz: Data Science Career Quiz: Is It Right for You? Find Your Role

• Learn from experts: 6 Questions with an IBM Data Scientist and AI Engineer

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