Head of Data Salary in 2023

Salary details

The average Head of Data salary lies between USD 135,344 and USD 269,600 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.

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

Last updated: Nov. 24, 2024

Salary trend

Top 20 Job Tags for Head of Data roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Head of Data job listings are Engineering, Machine Learning 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:

Engineering | 90 jobs Machine Learning | 66 jobs Python | 60 jobs SQL | 57 jobs Data strategy | 56 jobs Architecture | 52 jobs Data governance | 47 jobs Computer Science | 46 jobs Data Analytics | 42 jobs Statistics | 42 jobs Data management | 41 jobs AWS | 37 jobs Security | 37 jobs Data quality | 37 jobs Tableau | 35 jobs Agile | 33 jobs Finance | 32 jobs R | 27 jobs Pipelines | 27 jobs Privacy | 27 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Head of Data roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Head of Data job listings are Career development, Startup environment and Health care. 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 | 120 jobs Startup environment | 73 jobs Health care | 66 jobs Flex hours | 59 jobs Equity / stock options | 47 jobs Team events | 42 jobs Flex vacation | 39 jobs Insurance | 34 jobs Competitive pay | 32 jobs Salary bonus | 31 jobs Parental leave | 29 jobs Wellness | 21 jobs Medical leave | 15 jobs Home office stipend | 14 jobs Gear | 10 jobs Conferences | 9 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 9 jobs Signing bonus | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 5 jobs Relocation support | 5 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Head of Data role typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The base salary is often the largest component, accounting for 60-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly based on company performance and individual achievements, ranging from 10-30% of the base salary. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, is more common in larger tech firms or startups and can form a significant part of the total compensation, especially in high-growth industries.

Regional differences also play a role; for instance, salaries in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City tend to be higher due to the cost of living and competitive job market. Industry-wise, tech and finance sectors often offer higher compensation compared to healthcare or manufacturing. Company size can also influence salary composition, with larger companies typically offering more comprehensive bonus structures and stock options.

Increasing Salary from This Position

To increase your salary from the Head of Data position, consider the following strategies:

• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities or lead larger teams to demonstrate your capability to handle more complex challenges.
• Specialize in High-Demand Areas: Focus on emerging technologies or methodologies within AI/ML that are in high demand, such as deep learning or AI ethics.
• Network and Build Industry Connections: Engage with industry leaders and participate in conferences to increase your visibility and open up new opportunities.
• Negotiate Effectively: When discussing compensation, highlight your achievements and the value you bring to the organization.
• Pursue Executive Education: Consider executive programs or an MBA to enhance your leadership skills and business acumen.

Educational Requirements

Most Heads of Data hold advanced degrees in fields such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related discipline. A Master's degree is often the minimum requirement, with many professionals holding a Ph.D. This educational background provides a strong foundation in analytical and technical skills necessary for the role. Additionally, coursework in business or management can be beneficial for understanding organizational dynamics and strategic decision-making.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credibility and skill set:

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): Validates your ability to transform data into valuable insights.
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty: Demonstrates expertise in building, training, and deploying machine learning models on AWS.
• Google Professional Data Engineer: Focuses on designing, building, and operationalizing data processing systems.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate: Validates your skills in applying data science techniques on Azure.

Required Experience

Typically, a Head of Data role requires 10-15 years of experience in data-related fields. This includes a strong track record in data analysis, machine learning, and data management. Experience in leading teams and managing large-scale projects is crucial. Candidates often have a background in roles such as Data Scientist, Data Engineer, or Data Analyst, with progressive leadership responsibilities.

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