Data Scientist Salary in Boston 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Boston: Full Breakdown

Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, the Boston metropolitan area (MSA code 14460) shows strong demand and compensation for data scientists. The annual mean salary of $138,180 reflects the region’s position as a leading tech and innovation hub in the Northeast.

Boston’s data science market benefits from proximity to major employers in:

• Financial services (Boston is home to major investment firms and fintech companies)
• Healthcare and life sciences (including biotech and pharmaceutical research)
• Technology and software (venture-backed startups and established tech firms)
• Education (research universities with significant data science initiatives)

Salary Range by Experience Level

While detailed percentile breakdowns (10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th percentile) are not available in the current dataset, the mean salary of $138,180 provides a solid benchmark. Data scientists in Boston typically earn:

• Entry-level positions: Generally 20–30% below the mean, suggesting starting salaries in the $95,000–$110,000 range
• Mid-career professionals: Near or slightly above the mean ($130,000–$145,000)
• Senior/lead roles: Often 30–50% above the mean, reaching $180,000–$200,000+

These ranges are estimates based on typical occupational wage distribution patterns; actual salaries vary by employer, education, and specific skills (machine learning, AI, cloud platforms, etc.).

How Boston Compares to Other Major Tech Hubs

Boston’s $138,180 average for data scientists positions it competitively among major U.S. tech centers. The city attracts talent with:

• High concentration of data science roles across multiple industries
• Strong salary growth potential as experience increases
• Cost of living trade-offs — while salaries are strong, housing and living expenses in the Boston area are notably higher than many other regions

Notable cities in the greater Boston metro area include Cambridge, Somerville, Quincy, Newton, and Brookline — all within commuting distance and part of the same job market.

Cost of Living Context

Boston’s cost of living is significantly above the national average, which affects the real purchasing power of a $138,180 salary. Key considerations:

• Housing costs: The Boston area has some of the highest median rents in the country. A data scientist earning $138,180 (approximately $11,515 gross monthly) should budget 30–40% of income for housing in many neighborhoods.
• Taxes: Massachusetts has a state income tax of 5.0%, plus federal taxes, reducing take-home pay.
• Overall expenses: Groceries, transportation, and services in Boston run 15–25% higher than the national average.

Real purchasing power: While the nominal salary is strong, the cost-of-living adjustment means a Boston data scientist’s $138,180 salary has less purchasing power than the same amount in lower-cost regions like Austin, Denver, or Raleigh.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists in Boston

The demand for data science talent remains robust in Boston. The broader occupational category (Mathematical Science Occupations, SOC 15-2051) has shown consistent growth driven by:

• AI and machine learning adoption across industries
• Data-driven decision making in healthcare, finance, and biotech
• Startup ecosystem growth in the Greater Boston area
• Academic and research institutions expanding data science programs and hiring

Organizations in Boston actively recruit data scientists for roles in predictive analytics, business intelligence, research, and product development. The competitive salary reflects this strong demand.

Skills and Qualifications That Drive Higher Salaries

Data scientists in Boston commanding salaries above the $138,180 mean typically have:

• Advanced degrees: Master’s or Ph.D. in data science, computer science, statistics, or related fields
• Specialized expertise: Machine learning, deep learning, NLP, computer vision
• Industry experience: Particularly in finance, healthcare, or biotech
• Cloud platforms: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud certifications
• Leadership experience: Team lead or management roles

Related Guides

FAQ

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

Entry-level data scientists in Boston typically earn between $95,000 and $110,000 annually, roughly 20–30% below the regional mean of $138,180. Starting salaries depend heavily on education (bachelor’s vs. master’s degree), internship experience, and the hiring company’s size and industry. Larger tech companies and well-funded startups tend to offer higher entry-level compensation.

How does the Boston data scientist salary compare to the national average?

Boston’s $138,180 mean salary is significantly above the national average for data scientists. The city ranks among the top metropolitan areas for data science compensation, competing with San Francisco, New York, and Seattle. However, when adjusted for cost of living, the real purchasing power advantage narrows considerably due to Boston’s high housing and living costs.

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

Relocation to Boston makes sense if: (1) the specific opportunity offers $140,000+, (2) you’re early in your career and value access to top-tier employers and mentorship, (3) you’re interested in healthcare, biotech, or finance sectors where Boston excels, or (4) you prioritize proximity to leading universities and research institutions. However, factor in the 30–50% premium for housing compared to many other U.S. cities. Remote work options may offer a better balance of salary and cost of living.

What industries in Boston pay the most for data scientists?

Finance and fintech companies, healthcare and biotech firms, and established technology companies tend to offer the highest salaries for data scientists in Boston. Investment firms, insurance companies, and pharmaceutical research organizations frequently post roles in the $150,000–$200,000+ range for experienced professionals.

How much experience is needed to reach $180,000+ as a data scientist in Boston?

Senior data scientists with 7–10+ years of experience, advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.), and specialized expertise in high-demand areas (machine learning, AI, cloud architecture) typically reach $180,000+. Leadership roles, such as data science manager or principal data scientist, also command these salaries. Building a strong track record of impact and developing rare technical skills accelerates progression.

What certifications or skills increase data scientist salaries in Boston?

Certifications and skills that drive higher compensation include: AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty, Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, Spark and distributed computing expertise, NLP and computer vision, leadership and communication skills, and domain expertise in finance or healthcare. Continuous learning and staying current with emerging technologies (LLMs, generative AI) also supports salary growth.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2024 (SOC code 15-2051). This article is based on publicly available wage data and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries vary based on employer, education, experience, and specific job responsibilities. This is not financial or career advice.

Last updated: April 10, 2026