As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Data Scientist in the United States is $74,516 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Entry Level Data Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Entry Level Data Scientist'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 an Entry Level Data Scientist'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Lev... Level Entry Level Data Scientist | $74,907 |
| Data Scie... Level Entry Level Data Scientist | $91,653 |
| Data Scie... Level Entry Level Data Scientist | $117,241 |
| Data Scie... Level Entry Level Data Scientist | $133,603 |
| Data Scie... Level Entry Level Data Scientist | $179,149 |
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 Entry Level Data Scientists. 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
|
$84,203 |
13%
|
|
Biochemistry
|
$82,712 |
11%
|
|
Inference
|
$80,477 |
8%
|
|
Chemistry
|
$80,477 |
8%
|
|
Predictive Analytics
|
$79,732 |
7%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$78,986 |
6%
|
For Entry Level Data Scientist 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, Entry Level Data Scientist positions in Telecom or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Entry Level Data Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $96,870 | $47.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $96,870 | $47.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $93,144 | $45.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $89,419 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $85,693 | $41.0 | 15% |
Understanding how an Entry Level Data Scientist'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 an Entry Level Data Scientist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $68,564 in 2023 to around $67,902 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Data Scientist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $68,564 |
| 2024 | $68,265 |
| 2025 | $67,902 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Level Data Scientist roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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