Data Scientist Salary in Baltimore 2025
Quick Answer
Data Scientist Salary in Baltimore: Full Breakdown
Based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, data scientists in Baltimore command an average annual salary of $139,810. This figure reflects the specialized skill set required for the role and the region’s growing demand for analytics and machine learning expertise.
The Baltimore metropolitan statistical area (MSA code 12580) has become an increasingly attractive market for data science professionals, driven by growth in healthcare technology, financial services, and biotechnology sectors. The $139,810 mean salary indicates strong compensation relative to many other professional roles in the region.
For context on what this means in practical terms: a data scientist earning the Baltimore average of $139,810 annually would earn approximately $11,651 per month before taxes, or roughly $67.22 per hour (based on a standard 2,080-hour work year).
Cost of Living Context
Understanding salary in isolation is incomplete without considering Baltimore’s cost of living. The Baltimore region offers a more affordable cost structure compared to major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, or Boston, which means your data science salary stretches further here than it would in coastal tech centers.
Housing costs in Baltimore are moderate for a major metropolitan area. The median rent varies by neighborhood, with downtown and waterfront areas commanding premium prices while surrounding communities like Columbia, Towson, Ellicott City, and Annapolis offer more affordable options. This geographic flexibility within the metro area allows data scientists to balance proximity to employment centers with housing affordability.
The cost-of-living advantage in Baltimore means a $139,810 salary provides genuine purchasing power for housing, transportation, and quality of life—particularly compared to roles with similar compensation in higher-cost regions.
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Learn More →Job Outlook for Data Scientists in Baltimore
The data science field continues to experience robust growth nationally and regionally. Baltimore’s economy is increasingly data-driven, with major employers in healthcare (Johns Hopkins University and Hospital System), biotechnology, financial services, and emerging cybersecurity sectors all requiring sophisticated data analysis capabilities.
Data science roles typically require a bachelor’s degree (minimum) in fields such as computer science, mathematics, statistics, or engineering. Many positions prefer or require a master’s degree in data science, business analytics, or related fields. Advanced certifications in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and specialized programming languages (Python, R, SQL) enhance competitiveness and earning potential.
The field’s growth trajectory remains strong due to increasing organizational reliance on data-driven decision-making, artificial intelligence implementation, and business intelligence initiatives across all sectors.
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Learn More →Top Industries Hiring Data Scientists in Baltimore
Several major sectors drive data science employment in the Baltimore region:
- Healthcare & Life Sciences: Johns Hopkins University and Hospital System, along with numerous biotechnology firms
- Financial Services: Banking and fintech companies requiring risk analysis and fraud detection
- Government & Defense: Federal agencies and contractors in the region
- Technology: Growing software and SaaS companies establishing presence in the region
- Education: Universities and research institutions
Nearby Cities in the Baltimore Metro Area
If you’re considering relocation within the Baltimore metropolitan area, here are notable communities worth evaluating:
- Columbia: A planned community with strong employment centers and moderate housing costs
- Towson: Suburban location with good access to employment and schools
- Annapolis: Maryland’s capital city with government and education sector opportunities
- Ellicott City: Growing tech corridor with improved commuting infrastructure
Each offers different lifestyle and cost-of-living tradeoffs relative to Baltimore proper.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Baltimore?
Entry-level data scientist positions in Baltimore typically start below the $139,810 average, usually in the $90,000–$110,000 range depending on educational credentials and prior experience. Recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start at the lower end, while those with relevant internships or a master’s degree often command higher initial offers. The average figure of $139,810 reflects experienced professionals with several years in the field.
How does data scientist salary in Baltimore compare to the national average?
The national average for data scientists varies by source, but Baltimore’s $139,810 mean (as of 2024) positions the city competitively within the Mid-Atlantic region. Compared to expensive tech hubs like San Francisco or Seattle where salaries exceed $180,000, Baltimore offers slightly lower nominal compensation but with substantially better cost-of-living adjusted purchasing power. This makes Baltimore an attractive option for data scientists seeking reasonable salaries without the extreme cost-of-living burden of major tech centers.
Is it worth moving to Baltimore for a data scientist position?
Baltimore presents a compelling value proposition for data scientists. The $139,810 average salary combined with moderate housing costs, vibrant neighborhoods, cultural amenities, and proximity to Washington D.C. creates a strong total value package. The region’s growing tech ecosystem, combined with established strengths in healthcare and biotech, suggests solid long-term career growth opportunities. If your current location has significantly lower salaries or substantially higher costs of living, a move to Baltimore could meaningfully improve your financial position and quality of life.
What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Baltimore?
While specific salary premiums by skill aren’t detailed in the current dataset, data scientists with expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), advanced statistical modeling, and specialized domains like healthcare analytics or financial risk modeling typically earn at the higher end of the range. Advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) and certifications also correlate with higher compensation.
What education do I need to become a data scientist in Baltimore?
Most data scientist positions require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, engineering, or a related quantitative field. Many employers prefer or require a master’s degree in data science, business analytics, statistics, or computer science. Beyond formal education, practical skills in Python, R, SQL, machine learning frameworks, and data visualization tools are essential. Certifications from major cloud providers and specialized data science platforms increasingly enhance candidacy.
Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code 15-2051 (Data Scientists).
Last Updated: April 10, 2026
This content is informational and based on public data sources. Actual compensation varies significantly based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role responsibilities, and market conditions. This is not financial or career advice.