Technology · Level D3
Senior Data Scientist
Owns problem definition and data-science strategy for an area, and productionises the models that matter.
Typical total compensation (US)
$280,000median
Range $250,000–$315,000 · base $185,000 · bonus $25,000 · equity $70,000
Indicative, sourced ranges — not a guarantee. Levels.fyi Data Scientist senior band; blended national; BLS 15-2051 May 2025 p75 $158,880 as floor
At a glance
Difficulty
High
Hiring demand
High
Competition
Medium
AI task-risk
Low
AI & this role: Owns problem definition and ML strategy. The move is to climb the scope ladder, not to fear the tool.
What differentiates you at this level
- leadershipOwn problem framing and DS strategy
- systemsProductionising models
Credentials that help
Credentials help entry and specialisation; they don't gate senior or leadership roles — scope does.
- 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)