Data Scientist Salary in 2026
Data Scientists analyze complex datasets, build predictive models, and translate statistical insights into business value. The role is evolving rapidly as AI tooling augments classical statistical methods.
Quick answer: A senior Data Scientist in the US earns a median base salary of $195k in 2026, with a typical range of $165k–$240k. Total compensation including equity is often 30–80% higher.
Data Scientist Salary by Experience Level
US base salary ranges, 2026. Excludes equity, bonuses, and benefits.
| Level | Low | Median | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior (0–2 yrs) | $90k | $108k | $130k |
| Mid-level (3–5 yrs) | $125k | $148k | $178k |
| Senior (6–9 yrs)Benchmark | $165k | $195k | $240k |
| Staff / Principal (10+ yrs) | $215k | $260k | $320k |
Data Scientist Salary by Location
Estimated senior-level base salary. Multipliers applied to US median of $195k.
| Location | Estimated Median |
|---|---|
| San Francisco | $224k |
| New York | $215k |
| Seattle | $211k |
| Remote (US)Baseline | $195k |
| London | $146k |
| Berlin | $137k |
| Toronto | $152k |
| Singapore | $156k |
| India | $59k |
Location adjustments reflect cost-of-living differences, local talent supply, and typical employer pay scales for that market. Remote US roles benchmark at 1.0×.
Data Scientist Salary — FAQ
How much does a Data Scientist make?
A Data Scientist in the US earns between $90k (entry-level) and $320k (staff/principal) in base salary in 2026. The median across all experience levels is approximately $178k.
What is a senior Data Scientist salary?
A senior Data Scientist with 6–9 years of experience earns $165k–$240k in base, with a median of $195k. In San Francisco or at a top AI lab, total compensation (base + equity + bonus) can easily exceed $340k.
Is Data Scientist a high-paying career?
Yes — Data Scientist is consistently one of the highest-compensated technical roles in the software industry. Demand significantly outpaces supply, which keeps salaries elevated and gives experienced practitioners strong negotiating leverage.
How do I increase my Data Scientist salary?
The highest salary jumps come from: (1) moving to a frontier AI lab or well-funded startup, (2) developing deep specialization in high-demand sub-skills, (3) publishing research or open-source projects that raise your market profile, and (4) negotiating equity as a significant part of your package.
Find open Data Scientist positions
Browse current Data Scientist job listings across companies big and small.
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