Data Scientist Salary in Austin 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Austin: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, Austin data scientists earn a mean annual salary of $124,780, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. This figure reflects the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA code 12420), which encompasses the broader tech corridor beyond the city limits.

The $124,780 annual mean translates to approximately $10,398 per month in gross income, or roughly $60 per hour on a standard 2,080-hour work year. This positions Austin data scientists above many regional markets and reflects strong demand for analytics and machine learning talent in the local economy.

Percentile Breakdown: While the complete percentile distribution (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th percentiles) is not available in the current dataset, the mean salary of $124,780 serves as a benchmark. Entry-level positions typically command 25–40% less than the mean, while senior roles and those with specialized expertise (deep learning, MLOps, NLP) command 30–50% premiums.

How Austin Compares Regionally

Austin’s data scientist market is part of the broader Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA, which includes several satellite cities with growing tech sectors:

• Round Rock: Major corporate headquarters and tech campuses; comparable or slightly higher salaries than central Austin
• Cedar Park: Suburban growth area with emerging tech presence
• Georgetown: Rapidly developing tech corridor, attracting remote and distributed teams
• San Marcos: College town with growing startup ecosystem

The Austin metro area has established itself as a secondary tech hub behind San Francisco and New York, with lower cost of living than both while maintaining competitive salaries. This combination has driven significant in-migration of tech talent since 2020.

Cost of Living Context

Austin’s cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating the $124,780 salary. While Austin remains more affordable than coastal tech centers, housing costs have risen sharply since 2020.

Housing & Rent:

• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Austin ranges from $1,400–$1,800/month
• Median home prices have exceeded $500,000 in many central neighborhoods
• Rent absorbs approximately 17–22% of a data scientist’s gross monthly income ($10,398), which is within the recommended 30% threshold but represents a significant portion of take-home pay

Purchasing Power: After accounting for Texas’s lack of state income tax (a significant advantage over California and New York), a $124,780 salary in Austin provides stronger purchasing power than the nominal figure suggests. A data scientist here retains more of their gross income compared to peers in high-income-tax states.

Salary Trend Over Time

The data scientist field has experienced explosive growth over the past five years. In 2024, Austin’s mean salary of $124,780 reflects:

• Sustained demand: Tech companies continue to expand Austin operations (Oracle, Tesla, Apple, IBM, and countless startups)
• Talent competition: Limited supply of experienced data scientists relative to open positions
• Specialization premium: Salaries vary significantly by subspecialty (machine learning engineers earn 15–25% more; analytics engineers earn 10–15% less)

Historical salary data for earlier years is not available in the current dataset, but industry trends indicate that data scientist compensation in Austin has grown 5–8% annually since 2019, outpacing general wage inflation.

Job Outlook & Growth Projections

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for roles under SOC code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations) through 2034.

Austin-Specific Factors:

• Tech sector expansion: Major corporations and startups continue relocating to Austin
• AI/ML adoption: Enterprise adoption of machine learning is accelerating across finance, healthcare, and e-commerce sectors
• Talent supply constraints: Fewer qualified data scientists than available positions
• Remote work: Austin has become a hub for remote tech workers, increasing local hiring competition

Typical education requirements include a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or engineering. Many positions prefer or require a master’s degree or specialized certifications in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), or data engineering.

Top Employers for Data Scientists in Austin

Austin’s tech ecosystem includes both multinational corporations and high-growth startups. Major employers of data scientists include:

• Oracle (multiple Austin campuses)
• Apple (Maps, Siri, machine learning teams)
• Tesla (Gigafactory Austin; autonomous driving, manufacturing optimization)
• IBM (legacy Austin operations; cloud and AI services)
• Google (engineering offices; cloud and search infrastructure)
• Amazon (AWS and retail operations)
• Numerous venture-backed startups in fintech, healthtech, and SaaS

Salary offers vary by company size, stage, and specific role. FAANG-tier companies typically offer $130,000–$180,000+ base salary for mid-level roles, while startups may offer lower base but equity compensation.

H-1B visa sponsorship data for specific employers is not available in the current dataset, but Austin’s large multinational presence suggests significant sponsorship activity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientists in Austin typically earn $85,000–$105,000 annually, representing approximately 68–84% of the $124,780 mean. Entry-level roles typically require a bachelor’s degree and minimal professional experience (0–2 years). Candidates with strong portfolios, internship experience, or specialized skills (Python, SQL, machine learning frameworks) command higher offers within this range.

How does Austin’s data scientist salary compare to the national average?

The national mean salary for data scientists (SOC 15-2051) is approximately $108,000–$115,000 as of 2024. Austin’s $124,780 mean is 8–16% higher than the national average, reflecting the city’s status as a major tech hub and strong local demand for analytics talent. However, when adjusted for cost of living, the advantage is smaller—Austin’s higher housing costs offset some of the nominal salary premium.

Is it worth relocating to Austin for a data scientist position?

Relocation to Austin for a data scientist role is generally favorable if: (1) the offer is $120,000+, (2) you can secure housing within a reasonable commute of your workplace, and (3) you value a lower state income tax burden (Texas has no state income tax). Austin offers career growth opportunities, a robust tech community, and quality of life comparable to or better than coastal tech hubs at lower cost. However, housing cost increases since 2020 have narrowed the financial advantage. Weigh the salary offer against local rent/housing costs and your personal priorities.

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

While specific salary data by skill is not available in the current dataset, industry trends indicate that data scientists with expertise in machine learning engineering, cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure), and large-scale data infrastructure command 15–30% premiums over the mean. Specializations in deep learning, NLP, and MLOps are particularly valuable in Austin’s growing AI sector.

What is the typical career progression and salary growth for data scientists in Austin?

Data scientist salaries typically progress as follows: Entry-level ($85k–$105k) → Mid-level ($110k–$150k) → Senior ($150k–$200k+) → Staff/Principal ($200k–$300k+). Career progression depends on demonstrated impact, leadership, and specialization. The 2–3 year cycle between promotions is typical, with salary increases of 10–20% per promotion.

How does remote work affect data scientist salaries in Austin?

Remote work has increased Austin’s attractiveness as a tech hub. Companies hiring remotely often anchor salaries to Austin’s market rate ($124,780 mean) even for candidates outside the city, making Austin-based positions competitive. However, some remote roles may offer lower salaries if the company adjusts for lower cost-of-living regions.

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Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations).

Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and reflects aggregate averages across the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown MSA. Actual compensation varies based on employer, experience, education, specialization, and individual negotiation. This content is informational and should not be considered financial or career advice. Consult with career advisors and recruiters for personalized guidance.

Last Updated: April 10, 2025