As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Scientist I in the United States is $73,843 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Data Scientist I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Data Scientist I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Data Scientist I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Data Scientist I | 0-2 years | $73,843 |
| Data Scientist II | 2-4 years | $90,366 |
| Data Scientist III | 4-7 years | $115,534 |
| Data Scientist IV | 7+ years | $131,674 |
| Data Scientist V | 7-10 years | $176,483 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Data Scientist Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 11.33% |
| SQL | 3.32% |
| Economics | 1.42% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Molecular Biology
|
$83,443 |
13%
|
|
Biochemistry
|
$81,966 |
11%
|
|
Inference
|
$79,750 |
8%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$79,750 |
8%
|
|
Predictive Analytics
|
$79,012 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$78,274 |
6%
|
Understanding how a Data Scientist I'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 January 01, 2026For a Data Scientist I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Data Scientist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $90,366 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
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A Data Scientist I'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, a Data Scientist I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Data Scientist I is $93,138.
The highest pay for Data Scientist I is $87,245.
The lowest pay for Data Scientist I is $63,955.
Collects, analyzes, and interprets large data sets to identify trends, patterns, and provide key business insights. Performs data mining, cleaning, and aggregation processes to prepare data, implement data models, conduct analysis, and develop databases. Develops insights and reports from multiple structured and unstructured data sources using programming, statistical, and analytical techniques and tools. Maintains continuous collaboration with teams to understand the underlying purpose, focus, and objective of each data analysis project to ensure alignment and support. Designs, develops, and implements the most valuable data-driven solutions for the organization. May require a master's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
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.)
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