As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Steward I in the United States is $68,901 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Data Steward I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Data Steward 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 Steward 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 Steward I | 0-2 years | $68,901 |
| Data Steward II | 2-4 years | $69,944 |
| Data Steward III | 4-7 years | $84,569 |
| Data Steward IV | 7+ years | $133,994 |
| Data Control Supervisor | 7+ years | $87,316 |
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 Steward Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Data Steward I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $77,065. While startup companies pay approximate $65,174.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $65,174 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $68,932 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $74,421 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $77,065 |
For Data Steward I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 85% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Data Steward positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Steward I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $96,461 | $46.0 | 40% |
| Financial Services | $89,571 | $43.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,126 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Business Services | $82,681 | $40.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $82,681 | $40.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Data Steward 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 July 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Data Steward I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Data Steward II | $69,944 | 2% |
| Data Entry Supervisor | $59,549 | -14% |
| Transaction Processing Analyst II | $84,014 | 22% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Data Steward I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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A Data Steward 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 Steward I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Data Steward I is $86,905.
The highest pay for Data Steward I is $80,547.
The lowest pay for Data Steward I is $43,589.
Coordinates an organization's quality, security, and maintenance of data. Defines data elements and establishes policies and procedures related to the collection and accuracy of data, and performs tests on data systems. Ensures sufficient data quality is maintained so that the data can effectively support the business process. Requires a bachelor's degree. 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.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Steward I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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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