Head of Data Salary in United States during 2023

Salary details

The average Head of Data salary lies between USD 204,500 and USD 290,000 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: 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 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 60-70% of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can range from 10-20%, depending on the company's profitability and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, can vary significantly based on the company's size and industry. For instance, tech companies and startups might offer substantial equity to attract top talent, while 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.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary further from the Head of Data position, consider pursuing roles with broader responsibilities, such as Chief Data Officer (CDO) or Chief Analytics Officer (CAO). These roles often come with higher compensation due to their strategic importance and broader scope. Additionally, expanding your expertise in emerging technologies like AI ethics, data privacy, and advanced machine learning can make you more valuable. Networking with industry leaders and participating in high-profile projects can also enhance your visibility and open up opportunities for higher-paying roles. Finally, consider negotiating for better equity packages or performance bonuses if you're in a position to influence company growth significantly.

Educational Requirements

Most Head of Data positions require at least a master's degree in a relevant field such as Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related discipline. A Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially in research-intensive industries or roles that require deep technical expertise. Business acumen is also crucial, so an MBA or courses in business management can be beneficial. The combination of technical and business education helps in understanding both the data and its strategic implications for the organization.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your credibility and skill set. Certifications like Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate, or AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty can be valuable. These certifications demonstrate proficiency in specific tools and platforms, which can be crucial depending on the company's tech stack. Additionally, certifications in data privacy and security, such as Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP), can be beneficial given the increasing focus on data governance.

Required Experience

Typically, a Head of Data role requires extensive experience, often 10-15 years in data-related fields. This experience should include a mix of technical expertise in data science and analytics, as well as leadership roles where you've managed teams and projects. Experience in strategic planning and execution, as well as a proven track record of driving business value through data initiatives, is crucial. Industry-specific experience can also be important, as it provides context and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities within that sector.

Related salaries

Want to contribute?