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Data Scientist VI Salary in the United States

How much does a Data Scientist VI make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Scientist VI in the United States is $182,716 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $88.

However, a Data Scientist VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $208,966
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $171,650 to $196,456
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $161,575
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Data Scientist VI Salaries

A Data Scientist VI'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 Data Scientist VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Data Scientist VI'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 Scientist IV (7+ years): $131,667
  • Data Scientist V (7-10 years): $176,554
  • Data Scientist VI (10-12 years): $182,716
  • Data Science Supervisor (12+ years): $117,835
  • Data Science Manager (12+ years): $148,862
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Data Scientist IV7+ years$131,667
Data Scientist V7-10 years$176,554
Data Scientist VI10-12 years$182,716
Data Science Supervisor12+ years$117,835
Data Science Manager12+ years$148,862
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How Do Data Scientist VIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $202,303.
  • California: $201,536.
  • Massachusetts: $198,850.

Top Paying Cities for Data Scientist VI

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: $230,460
  • San Francisco: $227,936
  • Oakland: $223,133

Data Scientist VI Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Data Scientist VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $204,540. While startup companies pay approximate $173,036.

Data Scientist VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $173,036
Growth Stage 51~500 $183,006
Established 501~5000 $197,520
Enterprise 5000+ $204,540

Data Scientist VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Data Scientist VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 95% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Data Scientist positions in Telecom or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Scientist VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Data Scientist VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$274,074$132.050%
Insurance$255,802$123.040%
Software & Networking$246,667$119.035%
Energy & Utilities$237,531$114.030%
Media$228,395$110.025%

Data Scientist VI Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Data Scientist VI'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
$171,650
Average $182,716/year
$196,456
$14,304
Average $15,226/month
$16,371
$3,301
Average $3,514/week
$3,778
$83
Average $88/hour
$94
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $196,456 $16,371 $3,778 $94
Average $182,716 $15,226 $3,514 $88
25th Percentile $171,650 $14,304 $3,301 $83

Data Scientist VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Data Scientist VI

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Advancement

For a Data Scientist VI, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Data Science Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $117,835 - a projected growth of -36% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Data Scientist VI

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

Common company salaries for Data Scientist VI

Here are companies hiring for Data Scientist VI and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Data Scientist VI

1. Where can a Data Scientist VI earn the most?

A Data Scientist VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Data Scientist VI is $230,460.

2. What is the highest pay for Data Scientist VI?

The highest pay for Data Scientist VI is $208,966.

3. What is the lowest pay for Data Scientist VI?

The lowest pay for Data Scientist VI is $161,575.

4. What are the responsibilities of Data Scientist VI?

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. Typically requires a master's degree in computer science, mathematics, engineering. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Data Scientist VI?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Scientist VI roles, with salaries approximately 50% 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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