Data Scientist Salary: What You Actually Take Home
National median: $108,020/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $84,378/year take-home — 21.9% effective rate.
Data Scientist Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $72,000 | $59,038 | $4,920 | 18.0% |
| 25th Percentile | $84,000 | $67,480 | $5,623 | 19.7% |
| MedianBLS Median | $108,020 | $84,378 | $7,032 | 21.9% |
| 75th Percentile | $145,000 | $109,861 | $9,155 | 24.2% |
| 90th Percentile | $195,000 | $145,207 | $12,101 | 25.5% |
| Senior Level | $165,000 | $123,531 | $10,294 | 25.1% |
Data Scientist Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $132,595 | $91,315 | $7,610 | 31.1% |
| Washington | $123,143 | $94,921 | $7,910 | 22.9% |
| New York | $142,316 | $100,531 | $8,378 | 29.4% |
| Massachusetts | $129,084 | $92,528 | $7,711 | 28.3% |
| Virginia | $120,172 | $86,238 | $7,187 | 28.2% |
About This Career
Data scientists extract actionable insights from large datasets using statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization. The role commands some of the fastest salary growth in tech, with senior practitioners at major tech firms routinely clearing $200,000 in total compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Scientist salary in the US?+
The national median Data Scientist salary is $108,020 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $84,000 and $145,000, while the top 10% earn over $195,000.
How much does a Data Scientist take home after taxes?+
A Data Scientist earning the median $108,020 takes home approximately $84,378 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Data Scientists earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Data Scientists are California, Washington, New York. Top cities include San Francisco, New York City, Seattle, where salaries can exceed $145,000 for experienced professionals.