How much you can earn in the US as a data scientist

The data science sector in the US continues to attract attention for its high-paying roles, robust job market, and projected growth. According to a 2025 industry report published by 365 Data Science, data science has secured a place among the top three career choices in terms of compensation. Data from 365 Data Science, based on self-reported figures from Glassdoor, shows that the average total salary of a data scientist in the US, including additional pay, is $156,790. This figure reflects the national average and may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry.US data scientists lead global salary rankingsAccording to the same report from 365 Data Science, data scientists in the US earn significantly more than their counterparts in other key markets. The comparison of average total salaries across selected countries is summarised below:

All values are presented in US dollars.

The report highlights that while the salaries appear higher, regional purchasing power should also be considered. It notes that “a dollar in New York has a different purchasing power than a dollar in Mumbai or Eastern Europe,” as stated by 365 Data Science.US government data provides additional contextIn addition to industry surveys, official data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides further insight into data scientist salaries.

According to the BLS, the median annual wage for data scientists in the US was approximately $112,590 in May 2024.Earlier BLS data from 2020 placed the mean (average) salary at around $103,930. However, more recent aggregated salary sources suggest actual averages can be higher, typically cited between $104,000 and $157,000, depending on variables such as education, experience, and region.Strong job growth predicted through 2031The 2025 IT Salary Guide by Motion Recruitment outlines ongoing growth in the data science job market.

Citing data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the guide states that employment for data scientists is projected to grow 36% by 2031, making it one of the fastest-growing roles in the technology industry.The guide further notes that senior-level data scientists have seen a 11.7% year-on-year salary increase, one of the largest salary hikes across all tech positions.Demand remains high across industriesData science remains a critical field within the US tech landscape, with a steady rise in job postings.

As reported by Motion Recruitment, companies are actively seeking professionals with expertise in data visualisation, statistical analysis, data mining, and predictive modelling. The Motion Recruitment guide adds that tech unemployment remains low, hovering around 2%, which contributes to a competitive hiring environment. It further states that “data scientists are still the talk of the tech industry,” with businesses facing challenges in finding qualified candidates.• Data visualisation• Statistical analysis• Data mining• Predictive modellingThe 2025 guide states that “data scientists are still the talk of the tech industry,” referring to the continued shortage of highly skilled candidates.Educational background and career planning considerationsAccording to 365 Data Science, 2025 Salary Overview, professionals considering a career in data science should account for varying factors—such as geographic location, level of education, and company size—before entering the field. The platform advises that understanding real-world salary data is essential to avoid unrealistic expectations and to plan a successful data science career.TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.