As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Big Data Specialist in the United States is $68,849 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a Big Data Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Big Data Specialist'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.
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 Big Data Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Insight | 3.86% |
| KPI | 2.24% |
| Adobe | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Manages Ambiguity
|
$92,258 |
34%
|
|
Business Acumen
|
$84,684 |
23%
|
|
Content Management
|
$83,307 |
21%
|
|
Partnering
|
$81,930 |
19%
|
|
Storytelling
|
$81,930 |
19%
|
|
Data Analysis
|
$81,242 |
18%
|
For Big Data Specialist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Big Data Specialist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Big Data Specialist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $86,061 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $86,061 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $79,176 | $38.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $75,734 | $36.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $75,734 | $36.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Big Data Specialist'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, 2026Salaries for a Big Data Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $59,869 in 2023 to around $58,606 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Big Data Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $59,869 |
| 2024 | $59,315 |
| 2025 | $58,606 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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