Salary for Entry-level / Junior Data Scientist during 2021

Salary details

The average entry-level / junior Data Scientist salary lies between USD 49,646 and USD 90,000 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: Dec. 29, 2024

Salary trend

Salary Composition

The salary for an entry-level or junior data scientist typically consists of a base salary, which is the fixed amount, and may include additional components such as bonuses and stock options. The composition can vary significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. In tech hubs like Silicon Valley, the base salary might be higher, but the cost of living is also elevated. Bonuses are more common in larger companies and can be tied to individual performance, team performance, or company-wide success. Stock options or equity are often offered by startups as a way to attract talent without offering a high base salary. In contrast, smaller companies or those in non-tech industries might offer a lower base salary with fewer additional incentives.

Increasing Salary

To increase your salary from an entry-level position, consider the following steps:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously upgrade your skills in programming languages like Python or R, and tools like TensorFlow or PyTorch. Specializing in a niche area such as natural language processing or computer vision can also be beneficial.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree or a Ph.D. in data science, computer science, or a related field can open up higher-paying opportunities.
• Networking: Attend industry conferences, meetups, and workshops to connect with professionals and learn about new opportunities.
• Performance and Results: Demonstrating your ability to deliver results and contribute to the company's success can lead to promotions and salary increases.
• Certifications: Obtaining relevant certifications can validate your skills and make you more competitive in the job market.

Educational Requirements

Most entry-level data scientist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, or engineering. Some positions may prefer or require a master's degree, especially in more competitive markets or specialized roles. Coursework in machine learning, data analysis, and statistical modeling is highly beneficial.

Helpful Certifications

While not always required, certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Some popular certifications include:

• Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)
• Google Professional Data Engineer
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate
• IBM Data Science Professional Certificate
• AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty

These certifications can help you stand out to employers and may lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries.

Required Experience

For entry-level positions, employers typically look for candidates with some practical experience, which can be gained through internships, co-op programs, or relevant projects. Experience with data analysis, machine learning models, and data visualization tools is often expected. Demonstrating experience through a portfolio of projects or contributions to open-source projects can be advantageous.

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