Average Data Scientists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Data Scientists in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $143,670. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $126,010, reflecting the region's robust demand for specialized analytical talent and the high concentration of government and tech-related industries that drive this premium compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $143,670 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $208,600.
- Outlook: The job market for Data Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria appears robust, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 8,530 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 1.81, the concentration of Data Scientists is nearly double the national average, indicating strong and sustained demand for these roles within the region's economic landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Data Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+14.0%above the national average.
$69.1
$2,763
$11,973
Data Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Data Scientist salaries in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. Factors such as increasing data complexity, evolving analytical tools, and a persistent demand for skilled professionals typically drive upward salary trends in this specialized field.
Data Scientists Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Salary progression for Data Scientists in this region is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The significant percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $84,780 | $40.8 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $107,753 | $51.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $135,190 | $65 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $179,588 | $86.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $208,600 | $100.3 |
Detailed Data Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$143,670
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$143,670
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $143,670 in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is considerably higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is effectively on par with the national average, suggesting that the higher pay is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
8,530
Total Jobs
2.735
Per 1K Jobs
1.81
Location Quotient
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 1.8x the national concentration of Data Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 1.81 signifies that Data Scientists are significantly more concentrated in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area than in the nation as a whole. This indicates a highly competitive market for talent, where employers actively seek out skilled professionals, and the abundance of roles relative to the national average suggests a dynamic and opportunity-rich environment for Data Scientists.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Data Scientists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Data Scientists Salary | $139,810↓ 3% | 35 mi |
| Lexington Park, MD Data Scientists Salary | $116,130↓ 19% | 55 mi |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV Data Scientists Salary | $125,740↓ 12% | 63 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Hiring Data Scientistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Data Scientists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median annual salary for a Data Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $143,670. This typically ranges from $84,780 for entry-level positions to $208,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 14.0% higher than the national median of $126,010.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Data Scientists?
Yes, it is a highly lucrative place for Data Scientists.The average salary of $143,670 is substantially higher than the national average, and the strong concentration of roles (LQ of 1.81) indicates high demand and competitive compensation.
Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Data Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($139,810) and Lexington Park, MD.
How does the Data Scientist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Data Scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria is $143,670, which is notably higher than the national average of $126,010.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for Data Scientists in this area?
An LQ of 1.81 means that Data Scientists are 81% more concentrated in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria than the national average, indicating a strong regional demand and a competitive job market.
Does the Cost of Living affect the real value of a Data Scientist's salary here?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $143,670 offers strong purchasing power comparable to the national average.
How many Data Scientists are employed in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area?
There are approximately 8,530 Data Scientists employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,530 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 2.735 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 Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV