Salary for Mid-level / Intermediate Data Scientist in United States during 2021

Salary details

The average mid-level / intermediate Data Scientist salary lies between USD 109,000 and USD 150,000 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: Dec. 29, 2024

Salary trend

Salary Composition

The salary for a mid-level data scientist in the United States typically comprises a base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary is the fixed component and usually forms the bulk of the total compensation package. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company's profitability and individual performance metrics. Additional remuneration, like stock options, is more common in tech companies and startups, especially in regions like Silicon Valley. In contrast, larger, more established companies might offer more substantial bonuses and benefits packages. The industry also plays a role; for instance, data scientists in finance or healthcare might receive higher bonuses compared to those in academia or non-profits.

Steps to Increase Salary

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

• Skill Enhancement: Continuously update your skills, especially in emerging technologies like deep learning, natural language processing, or cloud computing.
• Advanced Education: Pursuing a master's or Ph.D. in a relevant field can open doors to higher-paying roles.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to learn about new opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for roles that involve team leadership or project management, as these often come with higher pay.
• Industry Shift: Consider moving to a higher-paying industry or a region with a higher cost of living, which often correlates with higher salaries.

Educational Requirements

Most mid-level data scientist positions require at least a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as computer science, statistics, mathematics, or engineering. However, a master's degree is increasingly becoming the norm, as it provides a deeper understanding of complex data science concepts and techniques. Some roles may also require specific coursework in machine learning, data mining, or big data technologies.

Helpful Certifications

While not always mandatory, certain certifications can enhance your resume and demonstrate your expertise:

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

These certifications can validate your skills in specific tools and platforms, making you more attractive to potential employers.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a mid-level data scientist is expected to have 3-5 years of relevant experience. This experience should include hands-on work with data analysis, statistical modeling, and machine learning. Experience with data visualization tools and programming languages like Python or R is also crucial. Additionally, experience in a specific industry can be beneficial, as it provides domain knowledge that can be applied to data-driven decision-making.

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