Technology · Level D2

Data Scientist

Frames problems, builds models, and runs experiments — one of the fastest-growing occupations, where causal reasoning and stakeholder translation stay human.

Typical total compensation (US)

$177,000median

Range $153,000–$210,000 · base $132,000 · bonus $15,000 · equity $30,000

Indicative, sourced ranges — not a guarantee. BLS OEWS May 2025 Data Scientists (15-2051) p25 $85,660 / p50 $120,230 / p75 $158,880 (broad, all-industry floor); Levels.fyi tech Data Scientist median base ~$150k - pack sits between BLS floor and Levels tech premium

At a glance

Difficulty

High

Hiring demand

High

Competition

High

AI task-risk

Medium

AI & this role: Modelling boilerplate automatable, but framing problems, causal reasoning and stakeholder translation remain; fastest-growing occupation overall. The move is to climb the scope ladder, not to fear the tool.

What differentiates you at this level

foundationsPython + ML modelling
domainExperiment design / causal inference
leadershipTranslate models into decisions

Where this leads — your highest-value routes

Ranked by pay ceiling. Progression is driven by scope and level transitions, not tenure.

Senior Data Scientistup to $315,000

$177,000 now → $280,000 in 3 yrs

Credentials that help

Credentials help entry and specialisation; they don't gate senior or leadership roles — scope does.

CS / related bachelor's degree · $10k-$40k+/yr public in-state to private; highly variable
Applied ML/AI course (DeepLearning.AI, fast.ai, Coursera ML) · Free (fast.ai) to ~$49/mo Coursera specialisations
Master's in Data Science / Statistics / CS · $20k-$60k+; online options (e.g. OMSCS) far cheaper (~$7k)

See the full Data Scientist pay breakdown by metro →