Data Scientist Salary Atlanta 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Atlanta: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, Atlanta’s data scientist market reflects strong demand for analytics and machine learning talent in the Southeast. The mean annual salary of $114,960 positions Atlanta competitively within the regional tech landscape, though specific percentile data (10th, 25th, median, 75th, 90th) is not currently available from the latest BLS OEWS survey.

For context, the Atlanta metropolitan area includes several high-growth tech hubs: Marietta, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Alpharetta, and Decatur. These suburbs have increasingly attracted data science roles, particularly in financial services, logistics, and healthcare sectors.

Monthly and Hourly Equivalent:

• Monthly (gross): ~$9,580
• Hourly (annualized at 2,080 hours): ~$55.27

The $114,960 figure represents the mean (average) salary. The actual median salary may differ, as mean figures can be skewed by high-earning outliers in data science roles.

Cost of Living Context

Atlanta’s cost of living is moderate compared to major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York. While specific median rent data for Atlanta is not provided in the current dataset, the city is generally known for affordability relative to its salary offerings.

What This Salary Buys: A data scientist earning $114,960 in Atlanta has significant purchasing power. After taxes (estimated 25-30% effective rate), monthly take-home is approximately $6,700–$7,200. This supports:

• Comfortable apartment rental in desirable neighborhoods (Midtown, Virginia Highland, Inman Park)
• Home purchase with conventional financing in suburban areas
• Discretionary spending on transportation, dining, and entertainment

The favorable salary-to-cost-of-living ratio makes Atlanta an attractive destination for data science professionals relocating from higher-cost markets.

Top Employers for Data Scientists in Atlanta

Atlanta’s data science job market is driven by several major sectors and employers:

Key Industries Hiring Data Scientists:

• Financial Services: Companies in banking, insurance, and fintech
• Logistics & Supply Chain: Major distribution and e-commerce hubs
• Healthcare: Hospital systems, biotech, and medical device manufacturers
• Technology: Software and SaaS companies with Atlanta operations
• Retail & Consumer Goods: Headquarters and regional offices

While specific H-1B employer salary disclosures are not available in the current dataset, Atlanta attracts both domestic and visa-sponsored data science talent due to its lower cost of living compared to coastal tech centers and its growing tech ecosystem.

Nearby Cities & Metro Comparison

The Atlanta metropolitan area spans multiple jurisdictions with varying salary expectations:

Notable Metro Areas:

• Marietta: Suburban tech corridor with growing data science opportunities
• Sandy Springs: High-income area with corporate headquarters
• Roswell: Tech-forward suburb north of Atlanta
• Alpharetta: Major tech hub with significant IT and analytics presence
• Decatur: Urban suburb with startup and established tech companies

Salaries may vary slightly by location within the metro area, with central Atlanta and northern suburbs (Alpharetta, Roswell) typically offering competitive packages. Specific salary data for these sub-markets is not currently available; however, the $114,960 metro average reflects the overall Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell MSA.

Historical Salary Trend

2024 Data Point: $114,960 (mean annual salary)

The 2024 BLS OEWS figure represents the most recent official survey data available. Longer-term historical trends (2022, 2023 comparisons) are not included in the current dataset. However, data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupations nationally, and Atlanta’s tech sector has experienced robust growth over the past five years.

For career planning purposes, data scientists should expect salary growth through:

• Experience advancement: Progression from junior to senior roles
• Specialization: Deep expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms, or domain-specific analytics
• Leadership: Transition to management or principal data scientist positions
• Market demand: Continued high demand for analytics talent in Atlanta’s growing sectors

Job Outlook

Data science is classified as a high-growth occupation nationally. Atlanta’s position as a regional tech and business hub suggests strong local demand for data science talent through 2034 and beyond.

Factors Supporting Job Growth in Atlanta:

• Expansion of tech companies establishing Southeast operations
• Digital transformation initiatives across traditional industries
• Growth in e-commerce and logistics requiring advanced analytics
• Healthcare sector modernization and data-driven clinical decision-making
• Increasing adoption of AI and machine learning across industries

Specific 10-year growth projections and annual job opening estimates for Atlanta are not available in the current dataset. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks data scientist employment under SOC 15-2051, and national trends indicate this occupation will remain among the fastest-growing fields.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Atlanta?

Entry-level data scientist positions in Atlanta typically start below the $114,960 metro average. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree and minimal experience generally earn 20–30% less than the mean, positioning starting salaries in the $80,000–$92,000 range. Advancement to the mean salary typically occurs within 3–5 years as professionals gain experience, specialize in high-demand tools (Python, SQL, cloud platforms), and demonstrate business impact.

How does data scientist salary in Atlanta compare to the national average?

The national average for data scientists is not provided in the current dataset; however, Atlanta’s $114,960 figure is competitive for the Southeast. Atlanta typically offers lower salaries than coastal tech hubs (San Francisco, New York, Boston) but higher salaries than smaller regional markets. The city’s lower cost of living means that the Atlanta salary often provides greater purchasing power and quality of life than nominally higher salaries in expensive metros.

Is it worth moving to Atlanta for a data science position?

For professionals relocating from high-cost-of-living areas (Silicon Valley, Manhattan, Seattle), Atlanta offers an attractive combination of solid salary, lower living costs, and strong career growth opportunities. The metro area’s diversity of industries—finance, logistics, healthcare, tech—provides multiple employers and specialization paths. The city’s relatively affordable housing, no state income tax (Georgia), and growing tech community make it an excellent relocation destination for data scientists seeking to maximize earning potential and quality of life.

What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Atlanta?

While specific skill-based salary premiums are not detailed in the current data, the national data science market rewards expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), big data tools (Spark, Hadoop), and business acumen. Atlanta employers in finance, logistics, and healthcare particularly value domain expertise combined with technical depth.

Do data scientists in Atlanta need a master’s degree?

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field is typically the minimum requirement for data scientist roles. Many positions do not require a master’s degree; however, advanced degrees (MS in Data Science, Statistics, or Computer Science) can accelerate career progression and salary growth. Atlanta’s universities and online programs provide accessible pathways for skill development and credential advancement.

How often do data scientist salaries increase in Atlanta?

While specific Atlanta-based salary growth data is not provided, data scientists typically see annual raises of 3–5% with their current employer and 10–20% when changing roles or companies. Significant jumps (20–40%) occur with promotion to senior or principal roles. Career progression and market demand for specialized skills drive salary growth more than tenure alone.

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Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA code 12060), SOC code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations).

Last Updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available salary data from government sources and is provided for informational purposes only. Actual compensation varies by employer, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. This content is not financial or career advice. Consult with a career counselor or recruiter for personalized guidance on salary negotiations and job opportunities.