Data Lead Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Data Lead salary lies between USD 130,000 and USD 230,000 in the United States. 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.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 29, 2024

Salary trend

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 the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary often forms the largest portion, accounting for approximately 70-80% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on the company's performance and individual contributions. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can vary significantly based on the company's size and industry. For instance, tech companies, especially startups, might offer substantial equity as part of the compensation package, whereas traditional industries might focus more on cash bonuses.

Regional differences also play a role; for example, salaries in tech hubs like San Francisco or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. In contrast, regions with a lower cost of living might offer slightly lower salaries but could compensate with other benefits.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Data Lead Position

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

• Pursue Leadership Roles: Transitioning into higher leadership roles such as Director of Data Science or Chief Data Officer can significantly increase your earning potential.
• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Developing expertise in niche areas like AI ethics, machine learning operations (MLOps), or advanced analytics can make you more valuable.
• Expand Your Network: Building a strong professional network can open up opportunities for higher-paying roles in other companies or industries.
• Negotiate Effectively: Regularly review your compensation package and be prepared to negotiate for raises or additional benefits based on your performance and market trends.

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. is often preferred, especially for roles in research-intensive industries or companies. Advanced degrees can provide a deeper understanding of complex data systems and analytical techniques, which are crucial for leading data-driven initiatives.

Helpful Certifications for a Data Lead

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise:

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): Validates your ability to transform data into valuable insights.
• Google Professional Data Engineer: Focuses on designing, building, and operationalizing data processing systems.
• AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty: Demonstrates expertise in using AWS data services for big data solutions.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate: Validates skills in applying Azure's machine learning techniques.

Experience Required for a Data Lead Role

Typically, a Data Lead position requires 5-10 years of experience in data science, analytics, or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with data analysis, machine learning, and data management. Leadership experience, such as managing teams or projects, is also crucial, as the role involves guiding data strategies and mentoring junior team members.

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