upper level job

How much does a Data Steward I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Steward I in the United States is $68,876 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $79,957
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $54,578 to $74,676
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,560

Key Factors That Influence Data Steward I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Data Steward I Salaries?

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:

  • Data Steward I (0-2 years): $68,876
  • Data Steward II (2-4 years): $84,438
  • Data Steward III (4-7 years): $112,917
  • Data Steward IV (7+ years): $134,020
  • Data Control Supervisor (7+ years): $87,334
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Data Steward I0-2 years$68,876
Data Steward II2-4 years$84,438
Data Steward III4-7 years$112,917
Data Steward IV7+ years$134,020
Data Control Supervisor7+ years$87,334

Top Paying Cities for Data Steward I

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: $86,873
  • San Francisco: $85,922
  • Oakland: $84,111

Data Steward I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

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 $76,972. While startup companies pay approximate $65,110.

Data Steward I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $65,110
Growth Stage 51~500 $68,861
Established 501~5000 $74,326
Enterprise 5000+ $76,972

Data Steward I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Data Steward I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$96,426$46.040%
Financial Services$89,539$43.030%
Aerospace & Defense$86,095$41.025%
Business Services$82,651$40.020%
Insurance$82,651$40.020%

Data Steward I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$54,578
Average $68,876/year
$74,676
$4,548
Average $5,740/month
$6,223
$1,050
Average $1,325/week
$1,436
$26
Average $33/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $74,676 $6,223 $1,436 $36
Average $68,876 $5,740 $1,325 $33
25th Percentile $54,578 $4,548 $1,050 $26

Data Steward I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions 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.

Data Steward I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Data Steward II $84,438 23%
Data Entry Supervisor $73,723 7%
Transaction Processing Analyst II $84,023 22%

Most common benefits for Data Steward I

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

Common company salaries for Data Steward I

Here are companies hiring for Data Steward I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Data Steward I

1. Where can a Data Steward I earn the most?

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 $86,873.

2. What is the highest pay for Data Steward I?

The highest pay for Data Steward I is $79,957.

3. What is the lowest pay for Data Steward I?

The lowest pay for Data Steward I is $41,560.

4. What are the responsibilities of Data Steward I?

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.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Data Steward I?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Steward I roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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