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Data Scientist Salary in California

How much does a Data Scientist make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$136,800
Median Annual Salary
$155,450
Mean Salary
$136,800
Median Salary
$65.77
Hourly Rate
36,850 people work as Data Scientist in California

About This Job: Data Scientist

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

Top Skills

Reading Comprehension
4.0
Critical Thinking
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Speaking
3.88
Writing
3.75

Key Knowledge Areas

English Language
4.1
Computers and Electronics
3.95
Customer and Personal Service
3.7
Mathematics
3.33
Administration and Management
3.05
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (85.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Data Scientist in California

Salaries for Data Scientist in California range from $73,390 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $221,080 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $98,460 and $177,480.

Median $136,800
P10: $73,390 P25: $98,460 P75: $177,480 P90: $221,080
10th
$73,390
25th
$98,460
Median
$136,800
75th
$177,480
90th
$221,080
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $73,390 $35.28 $6,115
25th Percentile $98,460 $47.34 $8,205
Median (50th) $136,800 $65.77 $11,400
75th Percentile $177,480 $85.33 $14,790
90th Percentile (Experienced) $221,080 $106.29 $18,423

Note: The mean (average) salary of $155,450 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

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What does this salary really buy? See Data Scientist salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Data Scientist Salary by State

Compare Data Scientist pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Data Scientist make in California?
The median annual salary for a Data Scientist in California is $136,800 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $155,450.
What is the salary range for a Data Scientist in California?
Salaries for Data Scientist in California range from $73,390 at the 10th percentile to $221,080 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50%% earn between $98,460 and $177,480.
What is the starting salary for a Data Scientist in California?
Entry-level Data Scientist positions in California typically start around $73,390 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $98,460 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Data Scientist in California?
According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 36,850 people are employed as Data Scientist in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Data Scientist in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Data Scientist in California is approximately $65.77 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS