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Average Data Scientists Salary in Washington

Data Scientists in Washington earn an impressive average annual salary of $162,730, significantly surpassing the national average of $126,010. This substantial difference is driven by the state's robust technology sector, high demand for specialized analytical skills, and the concentration of major tech companies that often offer premium compensation packages.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $162,730 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $226,760.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,930 Data Scientists and a Location Quotient of 1.48, Washington demonstrates a strong and concentrated demand for these professionals. The jobs per 1,000 workers figure of 2.24 further indicates a healthy job market where Data Scientists are actively sought after, suggesting a robust outlook for career opportunities in the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$162,730

The average Data Scientists in Washington earns+29.1%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$78.2

Weekly

$3,129

Monthly

$13,561

Data Scientists Salary Distribution in Washington

Salary progression for Data Scientists in Washington typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior Data Scientist salaries reflects the increasing value placed on expertise, leadership, and complex problem-solving capabilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$92,680$44.6
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$122,048$58.7
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$158,760$76.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$203,413$97.8
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$226,760$109

Detailed Data Scientists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$162,730

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$141,381

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

The average annual salary of $162,730 in Washington presents a strong nominal income. However, with a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, which is 15.1% higher than the national average, the purchasing power of this salary is somewhat tempered. While still offering a high standard of living, individuals should factor in the increased expenses for housing, transportation, and daily goods when considering relocation.

Job Market Context

7,930

Total Jobs

2.24

Per 1K Jobs

1.48

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.48, Washington has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Data Scientists roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.48 signifies that Data Scientists are 48% more concentrated in Washington than the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive market, suggesting that employers in the state actively recruit and value this talent pool. The higher concentration points to a mature market with established opportunities and a significant presence of data-centric organizations.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Data Scientists

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Data Scientists Salary$163,640↑ 1%42 mi
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Data Scientists Salary$125,200↓ 23%58 mi
Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Data Scientists Salary$123,050↓ 24%70 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Data Scientists make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Data Scientists in Washington is $162,730. This typically ranges from $92,680 for entry-level positions to $226,760 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington is 29.1% higher than the national median of $126,010.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Data Scientists?

Yes, Washington is a highly lucrative place for Data Scientists.The state offers an average salary significantly above the national average, and a high concentration of Data Scientist roles indicates strong employer demand.

Is Washington a good place to live for Data Scientists?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($163,640) and Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA.

How does Washington's Data Scientist salary compare to the national average?

Data Scientists in Washington earn an average of $162,730 annually, which is approximately $36,720 more than the national average of $126,010.

What is the concentration of Data Scientists in Washington?

Washington has a Location Quotient of 1.48 for Data Scientists, meaning the profession is 48% more concentrated there than in the U.S. overall.

How does the cost of living affect a Data Scientist's salary in Washington?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the high salary compensates, the increased cost of living should be considered for purchasing power.

What is the total number of Data Scientists employed in Washington?

There are approximately 7,930 Data Scientists employed within Washington state.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,930 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 2.24 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Data Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington