Technology · Level D2
Data Scientist
Frames problems, builds models, and runs experiments — one of the fastest-growing occupations, where causal reasoning and stakeholder translation stay human.
Indicative, sourced ranges — not a guarantee. BLS OEWS May 2025 Data Scientists (15-2051) p25 $85,660 / p50 $120,230 / p75 $158,880 (broad, all-industry floor); Levels.fyi tech Data Scientist median base ~$150k - pack sits between BLS floor and Levels tech premium
Career Score
63/100 · StrongIndicative role rating — same inputs give the same score. It rates the role, not you, and never predicts an outcome.
Moderate pay headroom on the ladder above.
Hiring demand is high.
Modelling boilerplate automatable, but framing problems, causal reasoning and stakeholder translation remain; fastest-growing occupation overall. These tasks are automating — move up the scope ladder.
High barrier — difficulty, study load, or competition.
Long-term headroom above is high.
Work–life sustainability is moderate.
Explore & decide
The pay-vs-effort call, the routes in, and how it stacks up.
At a glance
AI & this role: Modelling boilerplate automatable, but framing problems, causal reasoning and stakeholder translation remain; fastest-growing occupation overall. The move is to climb the scope ladder, not to fear the tool.
What differentiates you at this level
- Python + ML modelling
- Experiment design / causal inference
- Translate models into decisions
Where this leads — your highest-value routes
Ranked by pay ceiling. Progression is driven by scope and level transitions, not tenure.
Credentials that help
Credentials help entry and specialisation; they don't gate senior or leadership roles — scope does.
- CS / related bachelor's degree · $10k-$40k+/yr public in-state to private; highly variable
- Applied ML/AI course (DeepLearning.AI, fast.ai, Coursera ML) · Free (fast.ai) to ~$49/mo Coursera specialisations
- Master's in Data Science / Statistics / CS · $20k-$60k+; online options (e.g. OMSCS) far cheaper (~$7k)
See current US Data Scientist listings mapped to your level, in your metro.
Browse Data Scientist jobs →FAQ
Typical US total compensation is $153,000–$210,000 (median $177,000), indicative and metro-dependent — see the pay breakdown.
Modelling boilerplate automatable, but framing problems, causal reasoning and stakeholder translation remain; fastest-growing occupation overall. The move is up the scope ladder, not away from AI.
The highest-value route is toward Senior Data Scientist (up to $315,000).