Question 1

What is the average Data Scientist salary in the US?

Accepted Answer

The median annual Data Scientist salary in the United States is $112,590, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, May 2024 release. This midpoint figure means half of the 233,440 Data Scientists employed nationwide earn above $112,590 and half earn below. The mean annual wage is $124,590 — slightly above the median, reflecting upward pull from high-paying metropolitan and specialty positions. Entry-level earners (10th percentile) typically start around $63,650, while experienced professionals at the 75th percentile reach $155,810. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-2051.

Question 2

How much does a Data Scientist make per hour?

Accepted Answer

Data Scientists earn a mean hourly wage of $59.90, based on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. This figure represents the average across all Data Scientists in all industries and geographic areas in the United States. Hourly rates vary considerably based on employer type, geographic location, shift differentials, and years of experience. Hourly equivalents for salaried roles are calculated against a standard 2,080-hour work year (40 hours per week × 52 weeks); actual compensated hours may differ. For reference, the annual mean salary for Data Scientists is $124,590. Part-time workers, per-diem positions, and contract roles may fall above or below this figure depending on the agreed pay structure and premium differentials. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-2051.

Question 3

What does a Data Scientist earn at the entry level?

Accepted Answer

Entry-level Data Scientists — those in the bottom 10% of the wage distribution — typically earn around $63,650 per year, according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data. Workers in the 25th percentile (early-career, typically 1–4 years of experience) earn approximately $82,630 annually. These figures represent all industries and geographic regions nationwide; entry wages in high-cost states such as California, New York, and Massachusetts often run 10–25% above these benchmarks, while rural areas and lower-cost states may pay below them. As credentials, certifications, and clinical or technical experience accumulate, pay scales toward the median of $112,590 and beyond. Entry wage estimates are derived from BLS percentile bands and are labeled as estimates; they are not directly published as entry wages by the BLS. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-2051.

Question 4

What is the highest salary a Data Scientist can earn?

Accepted Answer

The top 10% of Data Scientists earn $194,410 or more annually, and the 75th percentile sits at $155,810, according to BLS OEWS May 2024. The highest-paid positions tend to cluster in major metropolitan areas — particularly in California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington — and in settings that demand advanced credentials, specialized certifications, or leadership responsibilities. Employer type also drives meaningful pay variation: private-sector roles, large hospital systems, and government positions each carry different pay structures. For Data Scientists, moving from the median ($112,590) to the 90th percentile often involves a combination of advanced degrees or board certifications, supervisory responsibilities, and tenure at a high-volume or high-acuity facility. The mean salary of $124,590 sits below the 90th percentile, indicating most very-high earners are outliers. Source: BLS OEWS May 2024, SOC 15-2051.

Question 5

Is the mean Data Scientist salary higher than the median?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the mean Data Scientist salary ($124,590) is $12,000 above the median ($112,590). When the mean exceeds the median, it signals that a subset of high earners pulls the average upward — a common pattern in occupations with significant pay variation across specialties, employer types, or geographies. The median is generally the more useful benchmark for an individual worker: it represents what a typical Data Scientist earns, unaffected by the very highest outlier salaries. Both figures come from the BLS OEWS May 2024 survey, SOC 15-2051.

Question 6

Is Data Scientist a growing career?

Accepted Answer

BLS projects 35% change in Data Scientist employment over the next decade — faster than average compared to the 4% average growth rate across all US occupations. This above-average outlook reflects strong demand driven by demographic trends, technological change, or expanding industry activity. Job seekers entering the Data Scientist field can expect a relatively active hiring market over the coming decade. Source: BLS Employment Projections program.

Question 7

How many Data Scientists work in the US?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 233,440 people work as Data Scientists in the United States, making it a specialized occupation in the US labor market. This employment count is based on the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2024 release, SOC 15-2051. The OEWS program covers non-farm wage and salary workers and excludes the self-employed. Total US employment across all occupations surveyed in the same release was approximately 158 million workers. The Data Scientist field represents roughly 0.15% of total surveyed US employment.

Data Scientist level	Tenure	Estimated salary	BLS reference
Entry level	First 0–2 years	$63,650	10th percentile
Early career	2–5 years	$82,630	25th percentile
Mid-career	5–10 years	$112,590	Median
Experienced	10+ years	$155,810	75th percentile
Senior / leadership	Top 10%	$194,410	90th percentile

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