Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Data Scientist during 2021

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Data Scientist salary lies between USD 46,809 and USD 116,914 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 for a Mid-level Data Scientist

The salary composition for a mid-level data scientist typically includes a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or benefits. The fixed base salary is the largest component and varies significantly depending on the region, industry, and company size. For instance, tech companies in major hubs like Silicon Valley or New York often offer higher base salaries compared to smaller companies or those in less competitive regions. Performance bonuses are usually tied to individual or company performance metrics and can range from 5% to 20% of the base salary. Additional remuneration might include stock options, especially in startups or tech firms, as well as benefits like health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development allowances.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from a mid-level data scientist position, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills in emerging technologies and tools such as deep learning, natural language processing, or cloud computing. Specializing in a niche area can make you more valuable.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's degree or Ph.D. in data science, computer science, or a related field can open doors to higher-paying roles.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and communities. Attending conferences, meetups, and workshops can lead to new opportunities and insights into industry trends.
• Leadership Roles: Seek opportunities to lead projects or mentor junior data scientists, which can position you for roles with greater responsibility and higher pay.
• Industry Switch: Consider moving to industries that pay higher salaries for data scientists, such as finance, healthcare, or tech.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level data scientist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as data science, computer science, statistics, or mathematics. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree or higher, especially for roles that involve complex data analysis or machine learning model development. A strong foundation in programming, statistics, and data manipulation is essential.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your resume 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 Machine Learning – Specialty: Demonstrates your ability to design, implement, deploy, and maintain machine learning solutions on AWS.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate: Validates your skills in applying data science and machine learning techniques on Azure.

Required Experience

Typically, a mid-level data scientist is expected to have 2-5 years of experience in data science or a related field. This experience should include hands-on work with data analysis, statistical modeling, and machine learning. Experience with data visualization tools and programming languages such as Python or R is also crucial. Additionally, familiarity with data manipulation tools like SQL and big data technologies like Hadoop or Spark can be beneficial.

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