As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Data Science Associate in the United States is $72,481 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Data Science Associate's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Data Science Associate'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 Science Associate'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Associate | $72,862 |
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Associate | $89,151 |
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Associate | $114,041 |
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Associate | $129,955 |
| Data Scie... Level Data Science Associate | $174,259 |
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 Science Associates. 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
|
$81,904 |
13%
|
|
Biochemistry
|
$80,454 |
11%
|
|
Inference
|
$78,280 |
8%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$78,280 |
8%
|
|
Predictive Analytics
|
$77,555 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$76,830 |
6%
|
For Data Science Associate roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Data Science Associate positions in Telecom or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Data Science Associate as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $94,226 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $94,226 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $90,602 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $86,978 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $83,354 | $40.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Data Science Associate'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, 2026Salaries for a Data Science Associate can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,693 in 2023 to around $66,049 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Data Science Associate salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $66,693 |
| 2024 | $66,401 |
| 2025 | $66,049 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Data Science Associate roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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