Data Scientist Salary Baltimore 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Baltimore: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that data scientists in Baltimore earn an average of $139,810 annually. This figure is based on the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, which tracks wages across the United States by occupation and geographic area.

Data scientists are classified under SOC code 15-2051 (Research Scientists and Mathematicians, including data scientists). The Baltimore metropolitan area, which includes surrounding communities such as Columbia, Towson, Annapolis, and Ellicott City, represents a growing hub for technology and data-driven roles.

The $139,810 annual salary translates to approximately $11,651 per month in gross income, or roughly $67.22 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

Baltimore’s Position in the Mid-Atlantic Tech Market

Baltimore’s data scientist compensation reflects the region’s role as a secondary tech hub within the broader Washington, D.C.–Baltimore corridor. The presence of major healthcare systems, federal contractors, financial services firms, and cybersecurity companies creates sustained demand for data science talent. The nearby cities in the Baltimore metro area—Columbia, Towson, Annapolis, and Ellicott City—offer additional employment opportunities, with some variation in compensation based on employer size and industry focus.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding the $139,810 salary requires context about Baltimore’s cost of living. The Baltimore metropolitan area offers a more affordable cost structure compared to major coastal tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, which means data scientist compensation stretches further in terms of purchasing power.

While specific median rent and housing cost data was not available in the current dataset, Baltimore is generally recognized as offering reasonable housing costs relative to East Coast metropolitan areas. This makes the $139,810 salary particularly attractive for professionals relocating from higher cost-of-living regions.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists in Baltimore

The demand for data scientists continues to grow across the United States. Data science roles typically require a master’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, or a related field, though some positions accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree and relevant experience. Many employers also value certifications in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and programming languages such as Python and R.

The Baltimore region benefits from:

• Healthcare & Life Sciences: Major hospital systems and biotech firms requiring data analytics
• Federal Contracting: Government agencies and defense contractors needing data science expertise
• Financial Services: Banks and fintech companies building predictive models
• Cybersecurity: Growing sector requiring data analysis for threat detection

Top Employers for Data Scientists in Baltimore

Data scientists in the Baltimore area find opportunities across diverse sectors. Major employers include:

• Johns Hopkins University & Medicine – Healthcare analytics, research data science
• University of Maryland, Baltimore – Medical and health services research
• Lockheed Martin (nearby Bethesda operations) – Defense and aerospace analytics
• T. Rowe Price (Owings Mills) – Financial services and investment analytics
• Booz Allen Hamilton – Federal contracting and government analytics
• Northrop Grumman – Defense sector data science roles
• Various healthcare systems and regional financial institutions

Compensation at these employers often aligns with or exceeds the $139,810 average, particularly for experienced data scientists or those in specialized roles like machine learning engineering or healthcare analytics.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientists in Baltimore typically earn between $90,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on education level and prior experience. Candidates with a master’s degree or relevant internship experience often command higher starting offers. The $139,810 average reflects mid-to-senior level positions, so new graduates should expect 20–30% less initially.

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

The national average for data scientists is approximately $108,000–$120,000, making Baltimore’s $139,810 figure notably competitive and above the national mean. This reflects both the region’s proximity to Washington, D.C. (a major federal spending hub) and the presence of major research institutions like Johns Hopkins University.

Is it worth moving to Baltimore for a data scientist position?

Yes, for many professionals. The $139,810 salary combined with Baltimore’s relatively affordable cost of living compared to other East Coast tech markets creates strong real purchasing power. Additionally, the region offers diverse career paths across healthcare, defense, finance, and government sectors, providing stability and long-term growth opportunities. Professionals relocating from lower-paying regions or smaller metros will see significant salary increases.

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

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), healthcare data systems, or cybersecurity analytics typically earn at the higher end of the salary range. Government security clearances also increase earning potential, particularly for defense and federal contractor roles common in the Baltimore region.

What education is required to become a data scientist in Baltimore?

Most data scientist positions in Baltimore require a master’s degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, or a related field. However, some employers accept bachelor’s degree holders with 3+ years of relevant experience in analytics or software engineering. Certifications in machine learning, cloud platforms, and programming languages (Python, R, SQL) strengthen candidacy.

How often do data scientist salaries increase in Baltimore?

Data scientists typically see annual raises of 3–5% with their current employer. However, job-switching often yields larger increases (10–20%), particularly when moving to larger organizations or specialized roles. The competitive Baltimore job market supports regular salary growth for qualified professionals.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024 survey year, SOC code 15-2051.
Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: Salary figures presented are based on aggregated public data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and represent mean annual wages for the Baltimore metropolitan statistical area. Actual compensation varies significantly based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and individual negotiation. This content is informational only and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Consult with HR professionals or career advisors for personalized guidance.