Data scientist salary calculator

Explore real salary trends for data scientists based on location and job title.

Data scientist starting salary: what beginners need to know

How location impacts your starting salary

Where you work makes a massive difference in what you'll make as a beginner data scientist. Big tech hubs like California, New York, and Massachusetts usually pay more upfront, but you're also dealing with way higher living costs. Meanwhile, cities in Texas, Florida, and North Carolina are seeing more demand for data science people with solid pay and cheaper expenses. The average entry-level data scientist salary can vary by $20,000 or more just based on location. Getting these regional differences helps you look at opportunities as more than just whatever number's on the offer letter.

Industry variations in entry level pay

What industry you pick affects how much you make right from the start. Tech companies and financial services usually pay the most for starting data scientists, especially if you've got relevant internships or a strong portfolio. Healthcare, retail, and manufacturing are hiring more data scientists now too, though how they structure compensation might be different. Some industries give you a lower base salary but way better benefits, while others load up the cash compensation upfront. Knowing what different sectors typically pay helps you focus your applications strategically and judge offers fairly.

Education and skills that Influence starting pay

There's a baseline for data science bachelor degree salary, but other factors kick in fast. Candidates who know programming in Python or R, have experience with machine learning libraries, or finished real projects usually get better offers even without professional experience. Some employers care about bootcamp graduates from programs like TripleTen who can show practical skills alongside or even instead of traditional degrees. Having a portfolio with actual analysis work can sometimes count for more than credentials alone when you're negotiating your first paycheck.

Understanding data scientist salaries

Breaking into data science can feel like a lot, especially when you're trying to figure out what fair pay actually looks like. Whether you're a college student mapping out your career, fresh out of school with no experience, or switching from another field, knowing salary expectations helps you negotiate better and make smarter decisions. Entry-level data scientist jobs vary all over the place in terms of pay depending on where you are, what industry you're in, and what specific skills they need.

A junior data scientist in San Francisco is going to see way different numbers than someone starting in Austin or Chicago. The same role at a tech company might pay totally differently than at a healthcare organization or retail business. Our salary calculator uses real data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to show you what entry-level data scientists are actually making across different states and cities. You'll see hourly rates, monthly income, and annual salaries all laid out. The tool also shows how your base salary could grow with raises over time, whether you're looking at percentage bumps or specific dollar amounts.

This isn't about hyped-up promises or best-case scenarios. It's about giving you accurate, verified info so you can plan your career path realistically. Use the calculator to compare different places, understand what's standard in the industry, and set salary expectations before you start applying or say yes to an offer.

Why this matters

Make better decisions

Know your worth before accepting an offer. Understanding market rates prevents you from leaving money on the table or accepting below-average compensation.

Plan your future

See how salaries progress over time. Calculate potential earnings with raises to understand your financial trajectory in data science careers.

Compare opportunities

Evaluate offers across locations. Make informed choices about where to work based on actual salary data, not guesswork or outdated information.

How to use the salary explorer?

1Enter your location details – select the state or city where you're job hunting

2Choose your parameters – pick your experience level and data scientist as your role

3Review and compare results – see hourly, monthly, and annual pay

Real BLS salary data

State and city breakdowns

Salary growth projections

Multiple time period views

Looking at offers from different companies in different cities? This calculator eliminates confusion by showing you exactly what entry-level data scientists earn in each location. No more wondering if you're comparing apples to oranges when one company quotes hourly and another quotes annually.

Calculate your entry-level data science salary now

Stop guessing what you should be making. Whether you're applying for your first data scientist role or evaluating a current offer, use verified salary data to understand your worth. The calculator gives you real numbers in seconds.

Check your salary range

What is the average entry-level data scientist salary?

The average entry-level data scientist salary in the US typically ranges from $70,000 to $95,000 annually, depending on location and industry. Tech hubs on the coasts usually see the higher end of this range, while other regions might start closer to the lower end.

These figures represent base salary and don't include bonuses, stock options, or other benefits that can add significantly to total compensation. Keep in mind that "entry-level" definitions vary—some companies want fresh graduates with no experience, while others expect a year or two of internships or related work. Our calculator uses Bureau of Labor Statistics data to show you what's realistic in your specific area.

How much do entry-level data scientists make without a degree?

Salary-wise, candidates without degrees might start 10-15% lower than those with bachelor's degrees, but this gap often closes quickly with proven performance. Your first role might be titled "data analyst" or "junior data scientist" rather than straight "data scientist," but these positions still offer solid starting salaries in the $60,000-$80,000 range and clear paths to advancement.

Entry-level data scientists without a traditional four-year degree can still find opportunities, though the path requires demonstrating strong practical skills. Many hiring managers care more about what you can do than where you learned it.

Programs like TripleTen's data science bootcamp help students build portfolios of real projects that showcase their abilities.

What affects the starting salary for data scientists?

Several factors influence how much you'll make as a beginner in data science. Location is probably the biggest one—coastal cities and tech hubs pay significantly more than smaller markets.

Your technical skills matter too: proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or scikit-learn can boost your offer.

The industry you target makes a difference, with finance and tech typically paying more than education or nonprofit sectors.

Company size plays a role as well—big tech companies often have structured pay bands that start higher, while startups might offer lower base salaries but equity compensation.

Finally, your negotiation skills and whether you have competing offers can add thousands to your starting package.

How do data science job salaries compare across states?

Data science entry-level jobs salaries varies dramatically by state. California, particularly the Bay Area, consistently shows the highest figures with entry-level positions starting around $90,000-$100,000 or more. New York and Massachusetts follow closely. Washington state, home to major tech companies, also offers competitive entry-level pay. On the other end, states in the Southeast and Midwest typically show lower starting figures, often in the $65,000-$80,000 range. However, cost of living is crucial here—a $75,000 salary in North Carolina might offer better quality of life than $95,000 in San Francisco. Texas is interesting because major cities like Austin and Dallas offer increasingly competitive salaries ($80,000-$90,000) with relatively lower living costs. Use our calculator to compare specific states you're considering.

Can college students get data science roles?

Yes, college students can land entry-level data science roles, especially through internships that convert to full-time offers. Many companies specifically recruit juniors and seniors for summer internships that pay well, often $25-$40 per hour, which annualizes to solid starting salaries. Having relevant coursework in statistics, computer science, or mathematics helps, but practical projects matter more. Build a GitHub portfolio with data analysis projects, participate in Kaggle competitions, or contribute to open-source projects.

How do I negotiate my salary?

First, do your research using tools like this calculator to understand market rates for your location and industry. When you receive an offer, express enthusiasm but don't accept immediately—ask for time to review.

If the number is below market rate, prepare a respectful counter with specific data points. Focus on your skills, projects, and the value you'll bring rather than personal needs. Mention if you have other offers or interviews in process. Most companies have salary bands with flexibility, especially for strong candidates. Even a 5-10% increase adds up significantly over time. The worst they can say is no, and they won't rescind an offer because you negotiated professionally.