Data Lead Salary in 2023

💰 The median Data Lead Salary in 2023 is USD 180,000

✏️ This salary info is based on 16 individual salaries reported during 2023

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Salary details

The average Data Lead salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 225,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Job title
Data Lead
Experience
all levels
Region
global/worldwide
Salary year
2023
Sample size
16
Top 10%
$ 250,000
Top 25%
$ 225,000
Median
$ 180,000
Bottom 25%
$ 130,000
Bottom 10%
$ 80,000

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated:

Salary trend

Data Lead Salary TrendYearly salary in USD - Region: Global - Experience: All levels$190,000$190,000$180,000$180,000$170,000$170,000$160,000$160,000$150,000$150,000$140,000$140,000$130,000$130,000$120,000$120,0002023202320242024
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Top 20 Job Tags for Data Lead roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Data Lead job listings are SQL, Engineering and Python. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

SQL | 39 jobs Engineering | 32 jobs Python | 23 jobs Data management | 23 jobs Pipelines | 19 jobs Statistics | 19 jobs Computer Science | 19 jobs Machine Learning | 17 jobs Agile | 17 jobs Data analysis | 17 jobs R | 16 jobs ETL | 16 jobs Architecture | 16 jobs Data quality | 16 jobs Excel | 15 jobs Security | 14 jobs Data strategy | 14 jobs AWS | 12 jobs Finance | 12 jobs Power BI | 12 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Data Lead roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Data Lead job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2023 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 41 jobs Startup environment | 23 jobs Flex hours | 22 jobs Health care | 21 jobs Flex vacation | 18 jobs Parental leave | 13 jobs Equity / stock options | 12 jobs Team events | 9 jobs Home office stipend | 7 jobs Competitive pay | 6 jobs Conferences | 6 jobs Insurance | 6 jobs Snacks / Drinks | 5 jobs Salary bonus | 5 jobs 401(k) matching | 4 jobs Wellness | 4 jobs Gear | 2 jobs Fitness / gym | 2 jobs Medical leave | 2 jobs Relocation support | 1 jobs

Salary Composition for a Data Lead Role

The salary for a Data Lead in AI/ML/Data Science typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The composition can vary significantly based on region, industry, and company size.

  • Region: In the United States, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, New York, or Seattle, the base salary might be higher, but the cost of living is also elevated. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living might offer a smaller base salary but could compensate with other benefits.

  • Industry: Tech companies often provide competitive salaries with significant bonuses and stock options. In contrast, industries like finance or healthcare might offer higher base salaries but fewer stock options.

  • Company Size: Larger companies may offer more structured compensation packages with clear bonus structures and stock options. Startups might offer lower base salaries but compensate with equity, which could be lucrative if the company succeeds.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Data Lead Position

To increase your salary from a Data Lead position, consider the following strategies:

  • Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging technologies and methodologies in AI/ML. Specializing in niche areas can make you more valuable.

  • Leadership Roles: Aim for roles with greater responsibility, such as Head of Data Science or Chief Data Officer, which typically come with higher compensation.

  • Networking: Build a strong professional network. Engaging with industry leaders and participating in conferences can open up higher-paying opportunities.

  • Negotiation: Improve your negotiation skills to better advocate for salary increases during performance reviews or when switching jobs.

Educational Requirements for a Data Lead

Most Data Lead positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or Mathematics. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles in research-intensive industries or companies.

Helpful Certifications for a Data Lead

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your profile:

  • Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
  • Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer
  • AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty
  • Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate

These certifications demonstrate expertise and commitment to the field, potentially making you more attractive to employers.

Experience Required for a Data Lead Role

Typically, a Data Lead role requires 5-10 years of experience in data science or related fields. This experience should include:

  • Leading data projects and teams
  • Hands-on experience with data analysis, machine learning, and data engineering
  • Proven track record of delivering data-driven solutions

Related salaries

Data Lead @ $ 165,000 (global) - Senior-level / Expert Details
Data Lead @ $ 226,000 (global) - Executive-level / Director Details
Data Lead @ $ 177,500 (United States) - Senior-level / Expert Details
Data Lead @ $ 226,000 (United States) - Executive-level / Director Details
Data Lead @ $ 190,000 (United States) Details

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