Data scientist salary in California (2026)

The average data scientist salary in California is $156,000 per year. A small pool of very high earners pulls that average upward, so the median of $141,590 gives you a more reliable starting point for most hiring decisions. California employs 39,310 data scientists, and the $14,410 gap between the mean and median reflects real variation in the candidate pool you will be evaluating. Junior data scientists in California typically earn around $77,480, while senior specialists reach and exceed the $224,920 level at the 90th percentile. Plan for a range rather than a single number when budgeting for a data scientist hire in California, and anchor that range to the seniority and specialization of the role you are filling.

Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 39,310 employed data scientists across California.

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When setting an offer for a data scientist in California, the $103,360 to $186,820 band between the 25th and 75th percentiles covers the majority of mid-career candidates you are likely to evaluate. Senior specialists in California reach and exceed $224,920, so roles requiring deep specialization or leadership experience will push your budget toward the top of this range.

Where you hire within California has a larger impact on compensation budgets than the statewide average suggests. Data scientists in San Jose average $212,760 per year, while those in Sacramento average $112,740, a difference that should directly inform your location strategy and offer anchoring. If your role is remote-eligible, you have room to hire from lower-cost metros without sacrificing candidate quality.

Employers hiring data scientists in California should expect compensation expectations to run higher than most peer states, with Washington being the only comparable market at $158,040 average versus California's $156,000. New York and Colorado come in meaningfully lower at $137,690 and $126,800 respectively, so candidates relocating from those states may have different salary anchors. Texas and Nevada represent the most cost-effective alternatives if your role allows geographic flexibility.

Frequently asked questions about data scientist salary in California

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Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, SOC code 15-2051 (Data Scientists).