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SVP of Data Science Salary in the United States

How much does an SVP of Data Science make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an SVP of Data Science in the United States is $390,280 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $188.

However, an SVP of Data Science's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $462,902
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $366,410 to $428,293
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $344,678

Key Factors That Influence SVP of Data Science Salaries

An SVP of Data Science's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects SVP of Data Science Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an SVP of Data Science's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Data Science Senior Manager (5+ years): $194,318
  • Data Science Director (5+ years): $237,137
  • VP of Data Science (5+ years): $308,832
  • SVP of Data Science (5+ years): $390,280
  • Chief Data Scientist (5+ years): $454,129
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Data Science Senior Manager5+ years$194,318
Data Science Director5+ years$237,137
VP of Data Science5+ years$308,832
SVP of Data Science5+ years$390,280
Chief Data Scientist5+ years$454,129

Top Paying Cities for SVP of Data Science

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $492,260
  • San Francisco: $486,870
  • Oakland: $476,610

What Skills Can Increase an SVP of Data Science's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 10.19% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.74% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Tableau (Mentioned in 1.64% Job Postings): Using business intelligence software to perform data analysis, data visualization, and the BI process of an organization.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 10.19%
Computer Science 3.74%
Tableau 1.64%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an SVP of Data Science's salary.

  • Data Visualization: Can increase your salary by up to 37%.
  • Big Data: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Verbal Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 17%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Data Visualization $534,684
37%
Big Data $468,336
20%
Verbal Communication $456,628
17%

SVP of Data Science Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

SVP of Data Science salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $436,896. While startup companies pay approximate $369,604.

SVP of Data Science Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $369,604
Growth Stage 51~500 $390,900
Established 501~5000 $421,901
Enterprise 5000+ $436,896

SVP of Data Science Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For SVP of Data Science roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 34% above the average. In contrast, SVP of Data Science positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view SVP of Data Science as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an SVP of Data Science

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$522,975$251.034%
Software & Networking$522,975$251.034%
Financial Services$483,947$233.024%
Internet$464,433$223.019%
Biotechnology$444,919$214.014%

SVP of Data Science Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an SVP of Data Science's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$366,410
Average $390,280/year
$428,293
$30,534
Average $32,523/month
$35,691
$7,046
Average $7,505/week
$8,236
$176
Average $188/hour
$206
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $428,293 $35,691 $8,236 $206
Average $390,280 $32,523 $7,505 $188
25th Percentile $366,410 $30,534 $7,046 $176

SVP of Data Science Salary Growth & Career Path

For an SVP of Data Science, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Chief Data Scientist role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $454,129 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.

Most common benefits for SVP of Data Science

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for SVP of Data Science

Here are companies hiring for SVP of Data Science and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about SVP of Data Science

1. Where can an SVP of Data Science earn the most?

An SVP of Data Science's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an SVP of Data Science earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an SVP of Data Science is $492,260.

2. What is the highest pay for SVP of Data Science?

The highest pay for SVP of Data Science is $462,902.

3. What is the lowest pay for SVP of Data Science?

The lowest pay for SVP of Data Science is $344,678.

4. What are the responsibilities of SVP of Data Science?

Establishes, plans, and administers the overall policies and goals of the data science function to support the organization's objectives. Provides strategic guidance, oversight, and direction for data science initiatives to ensure accuracy, timely delivery, and alignment with organizational goals. Allocates resources and evaluates and improves the tools, techniques, and methodologies utilized to extract and process data. Remains up-to-date on trends and developments in AI, machine learning, and data engineering. Typically requires a master's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering. Typically reports to top management. Manages a business unit, division, or corporate function with major organizational impact. Establishes/implements overall direction and strategic initiatives for the given major function or line of business. Typically requires 10+ years of progressive leadership experience. Has extensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for SVP of Data Science?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for SVP of Data Science roles, with salaries approximately 34% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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