How much does a Chief Data Scientist make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Chief Data Scientist in the United States is $272,900. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $239,085 to a high of $325,246, with most professionals earning between $255,200 and $300,300.

Chief Data Scientist Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $300,300 $25,025 $5,775 $144
Average $272,900 $22,742 $5,248 $131
25th Percentile $255,200 $21,267 $4,908 $123

Average Salary

25% $255,200 10% $239,085 90% $325,246 75% $300,300 $272,900 50%(Median)
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How much does a Chief Data Scientist make by hour, week, month, and year?

Salary.com provides you with accurate and diversified Chief Data Scientist salary data based on specialized databases to help you get a fairer salary. The average annual pay for a Chief Data Scientist is about $272,900 a year, this translates to an approximate hourly rate of $131, a monthly salary of about $22,742, and a weekly pay of around $5,248 . Click the switch button below to see more details about Chief Data Scientist hourly pay, weekly pay, monthly pay, and so on.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a Chief Data Scientist's Salary?

An entry-level Chief Data Scientist with less than 1 year of experience earns about $262,069. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $263,654. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $265,767. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $268,937, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $272,900.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Chief Data Scientist $262,069
Intermediate Level Chief Data Scientist $263,654
Senior Level Chief Data Scientist $265,767
Specialist Level Chief Data Scientist $268,937
Expert Level Chief Data Scientist $272,900
$262,069 0 yr
$263,654 < 2 yrs
$265,767 2-4 yrs
$268,937 5-8 yrs
$272,900 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 4%
Mid Level 3%
Senior Level 3%
Top Level 1%
Experienced 0%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of Chief Data Scientist vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025:
  • In San Francisco, CA, the average yearly salary for a Chief Data Scientist is $340,800.
  • In New York, NY, the average annual salary is $316,200.
  • In Boston, MA, a Chief Data Scientist earns $304,300 per year.

What is the salary trend of Chief Data Scientist?

As of April 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Chief Data Scientist compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $250,444 in 2023 to approximately $250,974 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Chief Data Scientist salary trends, click here.)

Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.

Average Annual Salary of Chief Data Scientist Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$250,444
2023
$250,974
2024
$247,017
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$250,444
2024
$250,974
2025
$247,017
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Chief Data Scientist Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $250,444
2024 $250,974
2025 $247,017
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of Chief Data Scientist

Salary.com job board provides millions of Chief Data Scientist information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Chief Data Scientist job openings or enter a new job title here.

Most Common Benefits for Chief Data Scientist

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 76.1%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 4.0%
401k/403b 2.9%
Disability 1.5%
Healthcare 2.3%
Pension 3.8%
Time Off 9.4%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $272,900 76.1%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $14,410 4.0%
401K/403B $10,500 2.9%
Disability $5,458 1.5%
Healthcare $8,352 2.3%
Pension $13,500 3.8%
Time Off $33,588 9.4%
Total Compensation $358,708 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

FAQ about Chief Data Scientist

1. How much does a VP of data science make?

The estimated total pay for a Chief Data Scientist ranges from $255,100 to $314,600 per year, with a mid-salary of $281,300. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data and represent the midpoint of the salary distribution for this role.

2. What is the highest paying job in data science?

The highest paying job in data science is the Chief Data Scientist, with a salary range from $255,100 to $314,600. This role typically commands a mid-salary of $281,300, reflecting its critical importance in leveraging data for strategic decision-making. Other high-paying positions include Big Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, and AI Engineer.

3. What is the average salary of a lead data scientist in the US?

The average salary for a Chief Data Scientist in the United States ranges from $255,100 to $314,600 annually, with a mid-salary of $281,300. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required for this role in the data science field.

4. How much does a head of data make in the US?

As of now, the salary for a Chief Data Scientist in the United States ranges from $255,100 to $314,600 annually, with a median salary of $281,300. This translates to approximately $122.12 to $151.77 per hour, or $4,626 to $6,000 per week. The monthly earnings range from $11,008 to $13,800, reflecting the high demand for this role.

5. Can a data scientist make 300k a year?

Yes, a Chief Data Scientist can make around $300,000 a year. Based on current salary data, the minimum salary is $255,100, the mid-range salary is $281,300, and the maximum salary can reach $314,600. With over 10 years of experience in data and analytics, particularly in leading teams, achieving this salary is feasible.

6. What is the average age of chief data officers?

The average age of Chief Data Officers is typically around 56 years. Interestingly, 55% of CDOs were appointed between the ages of 25-34. In terms of compensation, Chief Data Scientists earn between $255,100 and $314,600, with a mid-salary of $281,300, reflecting the high demand and expertise required in this role.

About Our Data

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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The average salary for a Chief Data Scientist is $272,900 per year in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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