Data Scientist Salary in Austin 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Austin: Full Breakdown

Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, data scientists in Austin earn a mean annual salary of $124,780. This figure reflects the Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA code 12420), which encompasses the broader tech ecosystem beyond the city proper.

The Austin data scientist market has matured significantly as the region has established itself as a secondary tech hub. Major companies including Tesla, Apple, Oracle, Tesla, and numerous startups have expanded operations in the area, driving demand for data science talent. The $124,780 annual mean salary positions Austin competitively within the national data science market, particularly when adjusted for regional cost of living.

Salary Context by Experience Level

While the BLS provides the overall mean salary, entry-level data scientists typically command lower compensation, while senior practitioners and those with specialized expertise (machine learning engineering, AI, statistical modeling) earn substantially more. The 2024 mean of $124,780 reflects an aggregated workforce across all experience tiers within the Austin metro area.

Cost of Living Context

Austin’s cost of living has risen significantly in recent years, particularly housing costs. Understanding how the $124,780 data scientist salary translates to actual purchasing power is critical for relocation decisions.

Housing and Rent Considerations: The Austin metro area has experienced substantial rent growth. While specific median rent data for data scientists is not available in the provided dataset, the broader Austin rental market has become increasingly expensive relative to historical norms. A data scientist earning $124,780 annually (approximately $10,398 monthly gross) should budget carefully for housing in central Austin, where median rents for quality apartments often exceed $1,500-$2,000 monthly.

Takeaway for Relocation: The $124,780 salary provides solid middle-class income in Austin, but housing costs consume a meaningful portion of take-home pay. Professionals relocating should factor in that Austin’s cost-of-living advantage versus coastal tech hubs (San Francisco, New York, Seattle) has narrowed considerably since 2020.

Notable Employers in Austin

Austin’s data science job market is driven by a diverse set of employers:

• Tesla – Expanding manufacturing and autonomous vehicle operations require substantial data science teams
• Apple – Significant Austin presence with data science roles across hardware and services
• Oracle – Cloud infrastructure and enterprise software divisions employ data scientists
• IBM – Legacy presence with continued data science hiring
• Numerous startups – Austin’s venture-backed ecosystem (particularly in fintech, healthtech, and SaaS) actively recruits data scientists

The competitive employer landscape supports the $124,780 mean salary, as companies vie for talent in a market where skilled data scientists remain in high demand.

Nearby Cities in the Austin Metro Area

The Austin MSA includes several surrounding communities where data scientists may find employment:

• Round Rock – Home to Dell Technologies headquarters and major tech employer presence
• Cedar Park – Suburban community with growing tech sector presence
• Georgetown – Northern suburb with increasing corporate relocation
• San Marcos – Developing tech corridor with lower cost of living than central Austin

Data scientists in these satellite communities may find slightly lower salaries offset by reduced housing costs, though the $124,780 Austin mean likely reflects the broader metro area including these locations.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the U.S. labor market. The field encompasses SOC code 15-2051 (Research Scientists and Engineers, except Computer and Mathematical), which reflects the technical depth and research orientation of the profession.

Growth Drivers in Austin:

• Expansion of cloud computing and AI infrastructure
• Growth in enterprise data analytics
• Increasing adoption of machine learning across industries
• Startup ecosystem demand for analytics talent

The Austin market benefits from both established tech company expansion and venture-backed startup growth, creating diverse career pathways for data scientists.

Related Guides

FAQ

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

Entry-level data scientist positions in Austin typically start below the $124,780 mean, often in the $80,000–$100,000 range depending on educational background and prior experience. Candidates with advanced degrees (Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields) or demonstrated project portfolios command higher starting offers. The mean of $124,780 reflects experienced professionals and senior practitioners, so early-career expectations should be calibrated accordingly.

How does the Austin data scientist salary compare to other major tech hubs?

Austin’s $124,780 mean salary (2024) is competitive with secondary tech markets but typically lower than San Francisco, New York, or Seattle, where data scientist salaries often exceed $140,000–$160,000. However, Austin’s lower cost of living—particularly relative to San Francisco—means actual purchasing power may be comparable or superior despite the lower nominal salary. Professionals relocating from coastal hubs often find Austin offers better work-life balance and housing affordability at comparable or slightly lower compensation.

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

Relocation to Austin makes financial sense for data scientists if: (1) you’re moving from a lower-cost region seeking higher compensation, (2) you value Austin’s lifestyle, outdoor amenities, and cultural scene, or (3) you’re transitioning from a higher-cost hub where $124,780 represents a lateral or improved move after cost-of-living adjustment. However, rising housing costs mean relocation should be coupled with careful financial planning—the salary supports comfortable middle-class living but doesn’t provide the same purchasing power as it did five years ago.

What skills command the highest data scientist salaries in Austin?

While specific Austin salary data by specialization is not available from the provided dataset, national trends indicate that data scientists with expertise in machine learning engineering, cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), and AI/deep learning earn premium salaries. Austin’s tech ecosystem particularly values professionals with experience in autonomous vehicles, cloud infrastructure, and enterprise analytics—areas where major employers are actively hiring.

How has the data scientist salary in Austin changed over time?

The most recent BLS data available is from 2024, showing a mean of $124,780. Historical trend data for Austin specifically is not available in the current dataset. However, national data science salaries have grown steadily over the past decade, reflecting the field’s increasing importance to business strategy. Austin’s growth has likely tracked or exceeded national trends given the region’s rapid tech sector expansion.

What education level do I need to become a data scientist in Austin?

The typical education requirement for data science roles is a Bachelor’s degree in mathematics, computer science, statistics, or engineering, with many employers preferring a Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields. Austin’s competitive market and presence of major tech companies means advanced credentials are increasingly common among hired candidates, though strong portfolios and demonstrated project experience can sometimes substitute for advanced degrees.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC code 15-2051 (Research Scientists and Engineers, except Computer and Mathematical). Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA code 12420).

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on publicly available sources including Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys and reflects aggregated market data. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role responsibilities, and negotiation. This content is informational only and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Consult with career advisors or recruiters for personalized guidance.