Head of Data Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Head of Data salary lies between USD 188,400 and USD 263,000 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.

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

Last updated: Nov. 17, 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 Data management. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Engineering | 216 jobs Machine Learning | 149 jobs Data management | 145 jobs Data governance | 141 jobs Architecture | 139 jobs SQL | 131 jobs Python | 125 jobs Data strategy | 123 jobs Security | 116 jobs Computer Science | 108 jobs Statistics | 106 jobs Data quality | 104 jobs Data Analytics | 93 jobs Research | 90 jobs Privacy | 87 jobs Agile | 82 jobs R | 77 jobs AWS | 76 jobs Finance | 72 jobs Pipelines | 65 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, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 289 jobs Health care | 150 jobs Flex hours | 132 jobs Startup environment | 129 jobs Competitive pay | 90 jobs Team events | 83 jobs Equity / stock options | 81 jobs Insurance | 61 jobs Parental leave | 56 jobs Salary bonus | 54 jobs Flex vacation | 48 jobs Wellness | 37 jobs Medical leave | 35 jobs 401(k) matching | 30 jobs Transparency | 22 jobs Travel | 19 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 18 jobs Home office stipend | 16 jobs Fitness / gym | 14 jobs Conferences | 12 jobs

Salary Composition for a Head of Data Role

The salary for a Head of Data role typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance-based bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or equity, especially in tech companies. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In North America, particularly in tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might constitute around 60-70% of the total compensation, with bonuses and equity making up the rest. In Europe, the base salary might be a larger portion, with bonuses being more modest. In industries like finance or consulting, bonuses can be substantial, sometimes equaling the base salary. Larger companies often offer more comprehensive equity packages, while smaller startups might compensate with higher equity stakes due to limited cash flow.

Steps to Increase Salary from a Head of Data Position

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

• Expand Your Role: Take on additional responsibilities, such as overseeing multiple departments or leading strategic initiatives, to demonstrate your value to the organization.
• Pursue Further Education: Advanced degrees or specialized certifications can enhance your expertise and make you more valuable.
• 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 company.
• Consider a Move: Sometimes, moving to a larger company or a different industry can offer a significant salary increase.

Educational Requirements for a Head of Data Role

Most Head of Data positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, data science, statistics, or engineering. However, a master's degree or Ph.D. is often preferred, especially in larger organizations or more technical industries. Advanced degrees provide a deeper understanding of complex data systems and analytical techniques, which are crucial for strategic decision-making at this level.

Helpful Certifications for a Head of Data Role

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your qualifications and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some valuable certifications include:

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
• Google Professional Data Engineer
• AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate

These certifications can provide a competitive edge by validating your skills in data management, analytics, and cloud computing.

Experience Required for a Head of Data Role

Typically, a Head of Data role requires extensive experience, often 10-15 years, in data science, analytics, or a related field. This experience should include several years in leadership or managerial positions, where you've demonstrated the ability to lead teams, manage projects, and drive data-driven decision-making. Experience in a specific industry can also be beneficial, as it provides context and understanding of industry-specific challenges and opportunities.

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