Data Scientist Salary 2025: $120,230 Median, 33.5% Growth
Data scientists earn a median salary of $120,230 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The mean wage is $126,800, or about $58 per hour. The typical range spans from $67,240 at the 10th percentile to $199,130 at the 90th percentile. These figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey.
How much Data Scientists earn
The median annual wage for data scientists is $120,230. Half of all workers earn between the 25th percentile ($87,160) and the 75th percentile ($163,850). The top 10% earn over $199,130, and the bottom 10% earn less than $67,240. The mean hourly wage is about $58.
Salaries vary by experience, industry, and location. Tech, finance, and scientific research firms tend to pay above the median. Government and education sectors often pay less.
- Median annual wage: $120,230
- Mean annual wage: $126,800 ($58.07/hour)
- 10th percentile: $67,240
- 90th percentile: $199,130
- Employment: 262,440 data scientists nationwide
Pay by state
The highest-paying states for data scientists are concentrated on the coasts. Washington tops the list with an average salary of $163,350, followed by California ($141,590), Maryland ($136,370), New Jersey ($135,280), and Massachusetts ($131,750). These states have strong tech hubs and high cost of living.
Lower-paying states include North Dakota ($81,900), Louisiana ($78,760), and Mississippi ($69,490). Salaries in these states are well below the national median, reflecting lower demand and cost of living.
If you're willing to relocate, targeting states like Washington or California can significantly boost your earning potential.
How to become Data Scientist
Most data scientist roles require a bachelor's degree, but many employers prefer a master's degree in a quantitative field such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, or data science. Typical entry-level positions require a bachelor's degree plus some experience with data analysis tools.
Key skills include programming (Python, R, SQL), machine learning, statistics, data visualization, and big data platforms (Hadoop, Spark). Many data scientists also have a background in a specific domain like finance or healthcare.
Steps to enter the field: 1) Earn a bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline. 2) Gain proficiency in programming languages and data analysis tools. 3) Complete internships or projects to build a portfolio. 4) Consider a master's degree for advanced roles. 5) Pursue certifications like the Certified Data Scientist (CDS) or AWS Certified Data Analytics to stand out.
- Bachelor's degree minimum; master's preferred
- Common majors: computer science, statistics, mathematics, data science
- Learn Python, R, SQL, machine learning, data visualization
- Build a portfolio with real-world projects
- Certifications can help: CDS, AWS Data Analytics, Google Data Analytics
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment of data scientists will grow 33.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 23,400 job openings are expected each year over the decade, driven by the need for data-driven decision-making across industries.
The rapid growth reflects the increasing use of big data, AI, and machine learning in business, healthcare, finance, and government. Data scientists with strong technical skills and domain expertise will have the best opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for a data scientist in 2025?
The median salary is $120,230 per year, with a mean of $126,800. Typical earnings range from $67,240 to $199,130, based on BLS data.
How do I become a data scientist?
You typically need a bachelor's degree in a quantitative field (computer science, statistics, math) and skills in Python, R, SQL, and machine learning. Many positions require a master's degree. Building a portfolio with projects and getting certified can improve your chances.
Is data science a growing field?
Yes, employment is projected to grow 33.5% from 2024 to 2034, much faster than average, with about 23,400 openings per year.
Which state pays data scientists the most?
Washington pays the highest average salary at $163,350, followed by California ($141,590) and Maryland ($136,370).
What is the typical entry-level salary for a data scientist?
The 10th percentile salary is $67,240, meaning entry-level or less experienced data scientists may earn near that figure.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Data Scientists data.