Median data scientist salary in United States is $170k. Junior roles (0–2 years) start at $120k; senior roles (7+ years) reach $260k+. Numbers reflect 2026 US market data.
Data Scientists in the United States earn a median salary of $120,000–$130,000 annually, with senior roles commanding $150,000–$200,000+ depending on experience and location. Tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle consistently offer 20–30% higher compensation than national averages, though remote work has begun to level this playing field. Your earning potential depends heavily on specialization: machine learning engineers and AI specialists command premium rates, while generalist data scientists typically fall toward the lower end of the range. Company size matters too—FAANG companies and well-funded startups typically pay 15–25% above smaller organizations. The gap between junior ($80,000–$100,000) and senior positions remains substantial, making skill development critical for career advancement. Below, you'll find current job listings and market rates for roles matching your experience level, plus interview preparation resources to help you negotiate effectively.
| Level | Years | Salary (median) | 10th–90th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0–2 | $120k | $102k – $144k |
| Mid-level | 3–6 | $170k | $145k – $204k |
| Senior | 7+ | $260k | $221k – $364k |
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