Average Data Scientists Salary in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
In Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA, Data Scientists earn an average annual salary of $122,360. This figure is slightly below the national average of $126,010, suggesting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within this California metropolitan area. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary reflects the specialized skills required for data science roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $122,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.2% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $193,470.
- Outlook: The Santa Maria-Santa Barbara area supports a local workforce of 200 Data Scientists, with 0.97 jobs per 1,000 workers. The Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates that the concentration of Data Scientists here is below the national average. This suggests a market that, while present, is not as saturated as other regions, potentially offering opportunities for skilled professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Data Scientists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA earns-2.9%below the national average.
$58.8
$2,353
$10,197
Data Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is not provided, the broader trend in the data science field over the past four years has been one of consistent growth. Salaries nationally have seen an upward trajectory due to increasing demand for data-driven insights across industries. It is reasonable to assume that Data Scientist compensation in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has also experienced a positive, albeit potentially more moderate, growth trend.
Data Scientists Salary Distribution in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
Salary progression for Data Scientists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, as in most markets, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior Data Scientists with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight the substantial career advancement and earning potential available within this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $61,920 | $29.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $91,770 | $44.1 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $113,390 | $54.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $152,950 | $73.5 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $193,470 | $93 |
Detailed Data Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$122,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$122,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $122,360 in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Data Scientist's salary in this region is comparable to the national average. While the nominal salary is slightly lower than the national average, the equivalent cost of living suggests that the take-home value of the salary remains relatively stable.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
0.97
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA has 0.64x the national average concentration of Data Scientists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.64, Santa Maria-Santa Barbara exhibits a lower concentration of Data Scientists compared to the national average. This indicates that the job market for Data Scientists in this specific region is less competitive and potentially less abundant than in major tech hubs. Professionals entering this market might find fewer opportunities but potentially less direct competition for roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Data Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA Data Scientists Salary | $126,930↑ 4% | 26 mi |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA Data Scientists Salary | $102,230↓ 16% | 85 mi |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA Data Scientists Salary | $150,200↑ 23% | 88 mi |
| North Valley-Northern Mountains Region of California nonmetropolitan area Data Scientists Salary | $108,000↓ 12% | 92 mi |
Comparing salaries near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Data Scientists make in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
The median annual salary for a Data Scientists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is $122,360. This typically ranges from $61,920 for entry-level positions to $193,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 2.9% lower than the national median of $126,010.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a lucrative place for Data Scientists?
Moderately lucrative.The average salary of $122,360 is slightly below the national average, but the Cost of Living Index of 100 means purchasing power is equivalent. The lower concentration of professionals suggests less competition.
Is Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA a good place to live for Data Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA?
Some top paying nearby cities include San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA ($126,930) and Bakersfield-Delano, CA.
How does the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara Data Scientist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Data Scientists in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara is $122,360, which is slightly lower than the national average of $126,010.
What is the Cost of Living in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara relative to the national average?
Santa Maria-Santa Barbara has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.
Is the job market for Data Scientists strong in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara?
The market is present with 200 local professionals and 0.97 jobs per 1,000 workers, but the Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates a lower concentration than the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially smaller job pool.
How does experience affect Data Scientist salaries in this region?
Experience significantly impacts salary, with entry-level roles earning less and senior positions commanding higher pay, reflecting typical career progression and skill development in the field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA area with a job density of 0.97 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Data Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA