Data science is one of the most sought-after professions in the tech industry, blending skills in statistics, programming, and business acumen to analyze complex data sets. Salaries for data scientists can vary significantly by state, driven by factors such as cost of living, local demand, and industry presence. Below is a comprehensive state-by-state breakdown of average salaries for data scientists, along with insights from professionals working in the field.
Alabama: Building Momentum in Data Analytics
Average Salary: $85,000–$115,000
Alabama is steadily increasing its footprint in the tech industry, with data science opportunities primarily concentrated in Birmingham and Huntsville. Roles often focus on healthcare, government data, and aerospace analytics.
- Experience: “I make $95,000 as a data analyst in Huntsville, working with aerospace data. The job is challenging but rewarding, and the cost of living is manageable.” – Sarah, Huntsville
Alaska: Data in Energy and Environmental Fields
Average Salary: $85,000–$120,000
Alaska’s small but unique market for data scientists revolves around energy production and environmental data. Anchorage serves as the main hub for professionals in this field.
- Experience: “I earn $100,000 working on climate data modeling in Anchorage. The work is niche but deeply impactful, and the salary goes a long way here.” – Caleb, Anchorage
Arizona: Data Science in Desert Innovation
Average Salary: $100,000–$135,000
Arizona, especially Phoenix and Tempe, has a thriving data science community focusing on fintech, healthcare analytics, and urban development.
- Experience: “I make $120,000 as a senior data scientist in Phoenix. The job offers great challenges, and the tech community here is growing rapidly.” – Olivia, Phoenix
Arkansas: Data Science in Retail and Logistics
Average Salary: $85,000–$110,000
Home to Walmart’s global headquarters, Arkansas offers significant opportunities for data scientists specializing in retail analytics and logistics. Bentonville is the state’s data science epicenter.
- Experience: “I work in Bentonville, earning $100,000 to help optimize supply chains. It’s exciting to work at the forefront of retail technology.” – Ethan, Bentonville
California: The Gold Standard for Data Scientists
Average Salary: $120,000–$180,000
California is home to the nation’s highest concentration of data science roles, particularly in Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Opportunities span industries like AI, e-commerce, and entertainment.
- Experience: “I earn $160,000 as a data scientist in San Francisco. While the salary is high, the cost of living here is steep. Still, the career opportunities are unmatched.” – Emily, San Francisco
Colorado: Data Insights in the Rockies
Average Salary: $110,000–$145,000
Denver and Boulder are tech hotspots in Colorado, with data science roles in AI, environmental analytics, and healthcare. The state’s quality of life attracts top talent.
- Experience: “I make $130,000 working in predictive analytics for a healthcare company in Denver. The work-life balance here is excellent.” – Noah, Denver
Connecticut: A Hub for Financial Analytics
Average Salary: $95,000–$130,000
Connecticut’s proximity to New York makes it a great location for data scientists specializing in financial analytics and insurance. Hartford and Stamford are key cities for the profession.
- Experience: “I earn $115,000 analyzing risk models for an insurance firm in Hartford. The salary and benefits are solid, and the location is convenient.” – Ava, Hartford
Delaware: Data Science in a Corporate Haven
Average Salary: $90,000–$125,000
Delaware offers data science roles tied to its strong financial sector, particularly in Wilmington. Opportunities in credit risk modeling and fraud detection are prominent.
- Experience: “I work in Wilmington, making $105,000 in data analytics for a fintech startup. The job is dynamic, and the corporate-friendly atmosphere helps startups thrive.” – Liam, Wilmington
Florida: Big Data Meets Big Opportunities
Average Salary: $95,000–$135,000
Florida’s data science roles are concentrated in Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, spanning industries like hospitality, real estate, and healthcare.
- Experience: “I earn $110,000 as a data scientist in Tampa, working on predictive models for a travel company. The weather and work-life balance here are a plus.” – Mia, Tampa
Georgia: A Growing Hub for Data Professionals
Average Salary: $105,000–$140,000
Atlanta leads Georgia’s data science industry, offering roles in logistics, fintech, and marketing analytics. The city’s tech scene is thriving, attracting top talent.
- Experience: “I make $125,000 as a data scientist in Atlanta. The job market is fantastic, and there’s a supportive community of professionals.” – Ethan, Atlanta
Hawaii: Data Insights in Paradise
Average Salary: $85,000–$115,000
Hawaii’s data science roles are often tied to tourism, environmental research, and government projects. Honolulu is the main hub for professionals in this field.
- Experience: “I make $100,000 analyzing tourism trends in Honolulu. It’s rewarding work, and the natural beauty of the islands makes the high cost of living worthwhile.” – Sophia, Honolulu
Idaho: Agricultural and Manufacturing Analytics
Average Salary: $85,000–$115,000
Idaho’s data science opportunities are closely linked to agriculture and manufacturing. Boise, the state capital, offers the most job opportunities.
- Experience: “I earn $90,000 working on agricultural data models in Boise. It’s fulfilling work, and the cost of living here makes it easy to save.” – Lucas, Boise
Illinois: The Intersection of Data and Commerce
Average Salary: $105,000–$145,000
Chicago is a key hub for data scientists, with roles in financial services, retail analytics, and healthcare. The city’s tech industry is robust, with many global firms based here.
- Experience: “I make $130,000 as a data scientist in Chicago, working on financial risk models. The salary is competitive, but housing costs can be high.” – Ryan, Chicago
Indiana: Data Opportunities in the Midwest
Average Salary: $90,000–$125,000
Indianapolis leads Indiana’s data science scene, with opportunities in healthcare analytics, logistics, and manufacturing.
- Experience: “I earn $110,000 as a data scientist in Indianapolis. The job market is steady, and the cost of living here is very reasonable.” – Olivia, Indianapolis
Iowa: Analytics in Agriculture
Average Salary: $85,000–$115,000
Iowa’s data science industry is heavily focused on agriculture and agribusiness. Des Moines also offers roles in financial services and insurance analytics.
- Experience: “I make $95,000 as a data scientist in Des Moines, working with crop yield data. It’s a niche field, but the work is meaningful.” – Jacob, Des Moines
Kansas: Data and Logistics
Average Salary: $85,000–$115,000
Kansas offers data science opportunities in logistics, agriculture, and aerospace. Wichita and Kansas City are the state’s primary hubs for tech roles.
- Experience: “I earn $90,000 in Kansas City, optimizing logistics for a national supply chain. The job is challenging but rewarding.” – Emily, Kansas City
Kentucky: Data Roles in Healthcare and Logistics
Average Salary: $85,000–$120,000
Kentucky’s data science roles are primarily found in Louisville and Lexington, with a focus on healthcare analytics and logistics.
- Experience: “I make $95,000 as a data analyst in Louisville. The healthcare industry here has plenty of opportunities for growth.” – Alex, Louisville
Louisiana: Analytics in Energy and Tourism
Average Salary: $85,000–$115,000
New Orleans is the center of Louisiana’s data science activity, with opportunities in energy analytics, tourism, and government projects.
- Experience: “I earn $100,000 working on energy efficiency data in New Orleans. The salary is good, and the culture here is unbeatable.” – Mia, New Orleans
Maine: Data Science in Small Markets
Average Salary: $80,000–$110,000
Maine’s data science industry is small but growing, with roles in environmental analytics and healthcare IT concentrated in Portland.
- Experience: “I make $85,000 working on fisheries data in Portland. It’s a unique job, and the work-life balance here is fantastic.” – Ethan, Portland
Maryland: Data Science for Defense and Cybersecurity
Average Salary: $110,000–$145,000
Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C., makes it a hotspot for data scientists specializing in defense, government projects, and cybersecurity.
- Experience: “I earn $125,000 in Baltimore, focusing on data models for government agencies. The salary reflects the high demand in this area.” – Emma, Baltimore
Massachusetts: A Leader in Data Analytics
Average Salary: $120,000–$160,000
Boston is a major hub for data science, with roles in biotech, healthcare, and education technology. The state is home to numerous tech startups and established firms.
- Experience: “I make $140,000 in Boston, working in healthcare analytics. The city is expensive, but the job opportunities are worth it.” – Ryan, Boston
Michigan: Data in Automotive and Manufacturing
Average Salary: $95,000–$130,000
Detroit and Ann Arbor are Michigan’s primary tech hubs, offering data science roles in the automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare industries.
- Experience: “I earn $120,000 as a data scientist in Ann Arbor, working with autonomous vehicle data. It’s exciting to be part of this industry’s evolution.” – Lucas, Ann Arbor
Minnesota: Data in Healthcare and Retail
Average Salary: $100,000–$135,000
Minnesota’s data science industry thrives in Minneapolis, with opportunities in healthcare analytics and retail data.
- Experience: “I make $115,000 as a data scientist in Minneapolis. The healthcare industry here is innovative, and the salary allows for a comfortable lifestyle.” – Ava, Minneapolis
Mississippi: Data Science in Healthcare and Education
Average Salary: $75,000–$100,000
Mississippi offers data science roles in healthcare, government, and education technology, primarily located in Jackson and Biloxi.
- Experience: “I earn $85,000 in Jackson, working with healthcare data. The job is meaningful, and the lower cost of living makes it easier to save money.” – William, Jackson
Missouri: Data Science in Healthcare and Finance
Average Salary: $90,000–$120,000
Missouri’s data science scene is centered around St. Louis and Kansas City, with opportunities in healthcare IT, financial services, and logistics.
- Experience: “I make $110,000 working in St. Louis, analyzing healthcare data. The work is rewarding, and the tech scene here is growing.” – Natalie, St. Louis
Montana: Data Science for Environmental and Agricultural Tech
Average Salary: $80,000–$110,000
Montana’s data science opportunities focus on environmental research and agricultural technology. Cities like Bozeman and Missoula lead the state’s tech scene.
- Experience: “I earn $95,000 working on environmental data projects in Bozeman. The work is important, and Montana’s natural beauty is a big draw.” – Jack, Bozeman
Nebraska: Data Science in Finance and Agriculture
Average Salary: $85,000–$115,000
Nebraska offers data science jobs in agriculture, finance, and insurance, with Omaha and Lincoln serving as the major tech hubs.
- Experience: “I make $105,000 as a data scientist in Omaha, working in financial risk analysis. The salary is competitive, and the cost of living is low.” – Olivia, Omaha
Nevada: Data Science in Gaming and Hospitality
Average Salary: $95,000–$130,000
Las Vegas is Nevada’s largest tech hub, with data science opportunities in gaming, hospitality, and logistics.
- Experience: “I earn $110,000 working with gaming data in Las Vegas. The job is exciting, and the opportunities in this city are endless.” – Lucas, Las Vegas
New Hampshire: Data Science in Healthcare and Education
Average Salary: $90,000–$125,000
New Hampshire’s data science roles are mainly in healthcare and education tech, with Manchester and Concord as key cities for tech talent.
- Experience: “I make $105,000 working in data analytics for a healthcare provider in Manchester. The small-town vibe is a nice change from larger cities.” – Emma, Manchester
New Jersey: A Hotbed for Data Science in Finance and Tech
Average Salary: $110,000–$150,000
New Jersey is home to a thriving data science market, particularly in finance and tech. Jersey City and Newark are the state’s primary tech hubs.
- Experience: “I earn $120,000 working in fintech in Jersey City. The job is challenging, and being so close to New York City offers endless opportunities.” – Liam, Jersey City
New Mexico: Data Science in Energy and Research
Average Salary: $85,000–$115,000
New Mexico’s data science roles are focused on energy, research, and environmental data analysis, with Albuquerque and Santa Fe leading the state’s tech scene.
- Experience: “I make $95,000 in Albuquerque, working on energy efficiency projects. The job is fulfilling, and the quality of life here is excellent.” – Maria, Albuquerque
New York: The Data Science Epicenter
Average Salary: $120,000–$170,000
New York City is the nation’s most lucrative and competitive market for data scientists, with roles across finance, tech, media, and healthcare.
- Experience: “I earn $150,000 as a data scientist in Manhattan, working in finance. The salary is high, but the cost of living is also steep.” – Chris, New York City
North Carolina: Data Science in Tech and Healthcare
Average Salary: $100,000–$140,000
Raleigh and Charlotte are North Carolina’s primary tech hubs, offering data science opportunities in healthcare IT, fintech, and cloud computing.
- Experience: “I make $120,000 working in data analytics for a healthcare startup in Raleigh. The job market here is booming, and the city is growing quickly.” – Emma, Raleigh
North Dakota: Data Science for Agriculture and Energy
Average Salary: $80,000–$110,000
North Dakota’s data science roles are centered around agriculture and energy, with Fargo being the state’s main hub.
- Experience: “I earn $90,000 working on agricultural data analysis in Fargo. The job is steady, and the quality of life is excellent.” – James, Fargo
Ohio: Data Science in Healthcare and Manufacturing
Average Salary: $90,000–$125,000
Ohio’s largest cities, Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati, offer data science roles across healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services.
- Experience: “I make $105,000 working in healthcare analytics in Cleveland. The work is meaningful, and the cost of living is manageable.” – Sarah, Cleveland
Oklahoma: Data Science in Energy and Agriculture
Average Salary: $85,000–$115,000
Oklahoma City and Tulsa are key hubs for data science roles in energy, agriculture, and healthcare.
- Experience: “I earn $95,000 as a data scientist in Tulsa, focusing on energy data analysis. It’s a stable career with a growing market.” – Olivia, Tulsa
Oregon: Data Science in Green Tech and Cloud Computing
Average Salary: $105,000–$145,000
Portland is Oregon’s top city for data scientists, with roles in green technology, cloud computing, and healthcare analytics.
- Experience: “I make $125,000 as a data scientist in Portland, working on sustainability projects. The city is welcoming, and the work is rewarding.” – Jack, Portland
Pennsylvania: Data Science in Finance and Healthcare
Average Salary: $95,000–$130,000
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer a wide variety of data science roles in healthcare, robotics, and financial services.
- Experience: “I earn $110,000 as a data scientist in Philadelphia, working on financial risk modeling. The tech scene here is thriving.” – Mia, Philadelphia
Rhode Island: Data Science in Healthcare and Education
Average Salary: $90,000–$125,000
Providence is the primary hub for data science in Rhode Island, with roles in healthcare IT, education technology, and small business analytics.
- Experience: “I make $100,000 as a data scientist in Providence, analyzing healthcare data. The work is interesting, and the city is charming.” – Lucas, Providence
South Carolina: Data Science in Healthcare and Manufacturing
Average Salary: $90,000–$120,000
Charleston and Columbia are the major cities for data science in South Carolina, offering opportunities in healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics analytics.
- Experience: “I make $110,000 as a data scientist in Charleston, analyzing healthcare data. The job is rewarding, and the city has a great blend of work and leisure.” – Emma, Charleston
South Dakota: Data Science in Agriculture and Government
Average Salary: $80,000–$110,000
South Dakota’s data science jobs are focused on agriculture, government data, and energy, with Sioux Falls being the key city for tech roles.
- Experience: “I earn $90,000 working on agricultural data in Sioux Falls. The job is interesting, and the low cost of living here is a big plus.” – Jack, Sioux Falls
Tennessee: Data Science in Healthcare and Music Tech
Average Salary: $95,000–$130,000
Nashville is Tennessee’s main hub for data science, with roles in healthcare, music analytics, and e-commerce.
- Experience: “I make $115,000 working in healthcare analytics in Nashville. The job market here is booming, and the city’s music scene is a major perk.” – Olivia, Nashville
Texas: A Giant Market for Data Science
Average Salary: $110,000–$150,000
Texas has a huge tech market, particularly in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, with data science roles in energy, healthcare, finance, and technology.
- Experience: “I earn $130,000 as a data scientist in Austin, working on machine learning models for a tech startup. The job is challenging, and the cost of living here is relatively low compared to other tech hubs.” – Lucas, Austin
Utah: Data Science in Technology and Outdoors
Average Salary: $105,000–$140,000
Salt Lake City and Provo are major centers for tech in Utah, with data science roles in software development, healthcare, and outdoor products industries.
- Experience: “I make $120,000 in Salt Lake City, working with data analytics in the outdoor products industry. The job is great, and the outdoor lifestyle is a huge bonus.” – Emily, Salt Lake City
Vermont: Data Science in Agriculture and Environment
Average Salary: $80,000–$110,000
Vermont has a small but growing tech industry, with data science roles focused on environmental research and agricultural data, centered in Burlington.
- Experience: “I earn $90,000 working on environmental data projects in Burlington. The job is fulfilling, and the natural beauty here is unmatched.” – Sarah, Burlington
Virginia: Data Science in Government and Tech
Average Salary: $110,000–$150,000
Virginia offers a wide range of data science opportunities, particularly in Northern Virginia, with roles in government data analysis, cybersecurity, and defense analytics.
- Experience: “I make $125,000 as a data scientist in Arlington, working on government data analysis. The salary is great, and the proximity to Washington, D.C., offers amazing opportunities.” – Chris, Arlington
Washington: A Data Science Powerhouse in Tech and Cloud
Average Salary: $120,000–$170,000
Seattle is Washington’s data science hub, with abundant roles in cloud computing, e-commerce, and AI, especially with tech giants like Amazon and Microsoft.
- Experience: “I earn $150,000 as a data scientist in Seattle, working in cloud computing for Amazon. The salary is competitive, but the high cost of living is something to keep in mind.” – John, Seattle
West Virginia: Data Science in Energy and Healthcare
Average Salary: $75,000–$105,000
West Virginia’s data science roles focus on energy, healthcare, and government projects, with Charleston and Morgantown as key cities for tech talent.
- Experience: “I make $85,000 working on energy data analysis in Morgantown. The work is steady, and the cost of living here is low.” – Mia, Morgantown
Wisconsin: Data Science in Manufacturing and Healthcare
Average Salary: $95,000–$130,000
Milwaukee and Madison are Wisconsin’s major cities for data science, with roles in manufacturing, healthcare, and education analytics.
- Experience: “I earn $110,000 as a data scientist in Madison, working on healthcare data models. The job is fulfilling, and the city is a great place to live.” – Noah, Madison
Wyoming: Data Science in Energy and Agriculture
Average Salary: $80,000–$110,000
Wyoming offers data science roles in energy, agriculture, and environmental studies, with Cheyenne being the main city for tech positions.
- Experience: “I make $95,000 working on energy data analysis in Cheyenne. The job is rewarding, and the cost of living here is very affordable.” – Jacob, Cheyenne
Summary Table: Data Scientist Salaries Across the USA
Here is the merged table with all 50 states, including average salary ranges, key cities, and prominent industries for data scientists:
| State | Average Salary Range | Top Cities | Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $85,000–$115,000 | Birmingham, Huntsville | Healthcare, Aerospace, Government |
| Alaska | $85,000–$120,000 | Anchorage | Energy, Environmental Data |
| Arizona | $100,000–$135,000 | Phoenix, Tempe | Fintech, Healthcare, Urban Development |
| Arkansas | $85,000–$110,000 | Bentonville | Retail, Logistics |
| California | $120,000–$180,000 | San Francisco, LA, San Diego | Tech, AI, Entertainment |
| Colorado | $110,000–$145,000 | Denver, Boulder | AI, Environmental Analytics, Healthcare |
| Connecticut | $95,000–$130,000 | Hartford, Stamford | Finance, Insurance |
| Delaware | $90,000–$125,000 | Wilmington | Fintech, Fraud Detection |
| Florida | $95,000–$135,000 | Miami, Tampa, Orlando | Hospitality, Real Estate, Healthcare |
| Georgia | $105,000–$140,000 | Atlanta | Logistics, Fintech, Marketing |
| Hawaii | $85,000–$115,000 | Honolulu | Tourism, Environmental Research |
| Idaho | $85,000–$115,000 | Boise | Agriculture, Manufacturing |
| Illinois | $105,000–$145,000 | Chicago | Financial Services, Retail Analytics, Healthcare |
| Indiana | $90,000–$125,000 | Indianapolis | Healthcare, Manufacturing |
| Iowa | $85,000–$115,000 | Des Moines | Agriculture, Financial Services, Insurance |
| Kansas | $85,000–$115,000 | Wichita, Kansas City | Logistics, Agriculture, Aerospace |
| Kentucky | $85,000–$120,000 | Louisville, Lexington | Healthcare, Logistics |
| Louisiana | $85,000–$115,000 | New Orleans | Energy, Tourism |
| Maine | $80,000–$110,000 | Portland | Environmental Analytics, Healthcare |
| Maryland | $110,000–$145,000 | Baltimore | Defense, Cybersecurity, Government |
| Massachusetts | $120,000–$160,000 | Boston | Biotech, Healthcare, Education Tech |
| Michigan | $95,000–$130,000 | Detroit, Ann Arbor | Automotive, Healthcare, Robotics |
| Minnesota | $100,000–$135,000 | Minneapolis | Healthcare, Retail Analytics |
| Mississippi | $75,000–$100,000 | Jackson, Biloxi | Healthcare, Government, Education Tech |
| Missouri | $90,000–$120,000 | St. Louis, Kansas City | Healthcare IT, Financial Services, Logistics |
| Montana | $80,000–$110,000 | Bozeman, Missoula | Environmental Research, Agriculture |
| Nebraska | $85,000–$115,000 | Omaha, Lincoln | Agriculture, Finance, Insurance |
| Nevada | $95,000–$130,000 | Las Vegas | Gaming, Hospitality, Logistics |
| New Hampshire | $90,000–$125,000 | Manchester, Concord | Healthcare, Education Tech |
| New Jersey | $110,000–$150,000 | Jersey City, Newark | Finance, Tech |
| New Mexico | $85,000–$115,000 | Albuquerque, Santa Fe | Energy, Research, Environmental Analytics |
| New York | $120,000–$170,000 | New York City | Finance, Tech, Healthcare, Media |
| North Carolina | $100,000–$140,000 | Raleigh, Charlotte | Healthcare, Fintech, Cloud Computing |
| North Dakota | $80,000–$110,000 | Fargo | Agriculture, Energy |
| Ohio | $90,000–$125,000 | Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Financial Services |
| Oklahoma | $85,000–$115,000 | Tulsa, Oklahoma City | Energy, Agriculture, Healthcare |
| Oregon | $105,000–$145,000 | Portland | Cloud Computing, Green Tech, Healthcare |
| Pennsylvania | $95,000–$130,000 | Philadelphia, Pittsburgh | Healthcare, Robotics, Financial Services |
| Rhode Island | $90,000–$125,000 | Providence | Healthcare, Education Tech |
| South Carolina | $90,000–$120,000 | Charleston, Columbia | Healthcare, Manufacturing, Logistics |
| South Dakota | $80,000–$110,000 | Sioux Falls | Agriculture, Government Data, Energy |
| Tennessee | $95,000–$130,000 | Nashville | Healthcare, Music Analytics, E-Commerce |
| Texas | $110,000–$150,000 | Austin, Dallas, Houston | Energy, Healthcare, Tech, Finance |
| Utah | $105,000–$140,000 | Salt Lake City, Provo | Tech, Cloud Computing, Outdoor Products |
| Vermont | $80,000–$110,000 | Burlington | Environmental Research, Agriculture |
| Virginia | $110,000–$150,000 | Arlington, Virginia Beach | Government Data, Cybersecurity, Tech |
| Washington | $120,000–$170,000 | Seattle | Cloud Computing, E-Commerce, Tech |
| West Virginia | $75,000–$105,000 | Morgantown, Charleston | Energy, Healthcare, Government |
| Wisconsin | $95,000–$130,000 | Madison, Milwaukee | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail Analytics |
| Wyoming | $80,000–$110,000 | Cheyenne | Energy, Agriculture, Environmental Studies |
