Data Scientist Salary in Boston 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Boston: Full Breakdown

Based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (SOC Code 15-2051) data from 2024, the Boston market shows strong compensation for data science professionals. The $138,180 annual mean reflects robust demand for analytics talent across the region’s diverse industries.

The Boston metropolitan area (MSA code 14460) encompasses major employment hubs including Cambridge, Somerville, Quincy, Newton, and Brookline — each contributing to the competitive salary landscape. Boston’s position as a hub for biotech, financial technology, and enterprise software development drives consistent demand for data science expertise.

Why Boston Commands Premium Data Science Salaries

Boston’s data science compensation reflects several factors:

• Industry concentration: Major employers in fintech, biotech, and SaaS cluster in the region
• Competition for talent: Tech companies compete aggressively for skilled data scientists
• Education ecosystem: Proximity to MIT, Harvard, and other institutions creates talent pipelines but also raises wage expectations
• Cost of living: Employers adjust salaries upward to account for housing, transportation, and living expenses

Cost of Living Context

Boston’s high cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating the $138,180 salary figure. While this represents strong absolute compensation, purchasing power varies significantly compared to lower-cost markets.

Housing represents the largest expense for data scientists in Boston:

• The Boston metro area has experienced sustained rent increases driven by limited housing supply and strong regional demand
• A data scientist earning $138,180 annually (approximately $11,515 monthly gross) faces substantial housing costs relative to income
• Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in central Boston neighborhoods typically exceeds 40-50% of gross monthly income for entry-level positions

Relocation considerations: Data scientists relocating to Boston should budget for:

• Rent/mortgage: $2,000–$3,500+ monthly depending on neighborhood
• Transportation: $90/month for public transit (MBTA); car ownership adds $400–$600+ monthly
• General cost of living: Groceries, dining, and services run 15–25% above national averages

The $138,180 salary provides comfortable living in Boston’s suburbs or outer neighborhoods but requires careful budgeting for central locations like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, or Cambridge.

Top Employers for Data Scientists in Boston

Boston’s job market for data scientists spans multiple sectors:

Financial Services & Fintech:

• Fidelity Investments (major Boston headquarters with extensive data science operations)
• Putnam Investments
• State Street Corporation
• Numerous emerging fintech startups in the Seaport District

Biotechnology & Life Sciences:

• Moderna
• Biogen
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals
• Numerous CROs and research organizations

Technology & Software:

• HubSpot
• Wayfair
• Rapid7
• Nuance Communications (now Microsoft subsidiary)
• Countless venture-backed startups

Healthcare & Insurance:

• Partners HealthCare
• CVS Health (regional operations)
• Various health tech startups

Data scientists in Boston benefit from geographic proximity to these employers, reducing job search friction and enabling career moves without relocation.

Nearby Cities and Metro Comparison

The Boston metropolitan area offers multiple employment centers with varying cost-of-living profiles:

Cambridge: Home to MIT and numerous biotech/tech companies; comparable or slightly higher salaries than Boston proper, with similar or higher cost of living.

Somerville: Emerging tech hub with lower housing costs than Cambridge or central Boston; attracting startups and mid-size tech companies.

Quincy: More affordable than Boston; growing financial services and tech sector presence; commutable to Boston employers.

Newton & Brookline: Suburban options with lower costs than central Boston; strong commuting infrastructure to major employers.

Data scientists should evaluate the $138,180 Boston figure against specific employer locations and neighborhoods, as commuting costs and housing prices vary significantly across the metro area.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists

The data science field continues to experience strong growth driven by:

• Increased enterprise adoption of AI and machine learning
• Regulatory requirements for data governance and compliance
• Expansion of big data infrastructure across industries
• Growing importance of predictive analytics in decision-making

Boston’s position in biotech, fintech, and enterprise software ensures continued demand for data science talent. The region’s universities and research institutions provide ongoing talent development, though competition for experienced professionals remains intense.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientist positions in Boston typically start between $90,000–$110,000 annually, depending on education level and specific employer. Candidates with advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) or relevant internship experience may command higher starting offers. The BLS mean of $138,180 reflects the full experience distribution; early-career professionals should expect to be below this average initially, with growth potential as they gain expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and domain-specific applications.

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

Boston’s $138,180 average (2024, BLS) represents a significant premium over many U.S. markets. Data scientists in lower-cost regions like Austin, Denver, or Raleigh may earn $110,000–$130,000, while expensive markets like San Francisco or New York show comparable or slightly higher figures. The key differentiator is cost-of-living adjustment: Boston’s high housing costs mean the nominal salary advantage shrinks when adjusted for purchasing power, though the region remains competitive for absolute compensation.

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

Relocation to Boston makes financial sense if: (1) your new salary exceeds your current compensation by 20%+ after accounting for cost-of-living differences, (2) you’re early in your career and value access to top-tier employers and professional networks, or (3) your career goals align with Boston’s strengths in biotech, fintech, or enterprise software. However, if you’re currently in a lower-cost market earning $120,000+, the $138,180 Boston figure may not justify relocation costs and lifestyle adjustments. Use online cost-of-living calculators to model your specific situation.

What skills command the highest data scientist salaries in Boston?

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning engineering, deep learning, NLP, and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) typically earn above the $138,180 average. Specialized domain knowledge in biotech (clinical trial analytics, genomics), fintech (algorithmic trading, fraud detection), or healthcare (EHR data, predictive medicine) also increases earning potential. Advanced degree holders (PhD, especially in quantitative fields) and those with proven track records deploying models to production often command 10–20% premiums.

What are the best neighborhoods for data scientists in Boston?

For proximity to employers: Cambridge (MIT/tech corridor), Somerville (emerging startup hub), and the Seaport District (finance/tech) offer walkable access to major employers but command premium rents ($2,200–$3,500+/month for one-bedroom).

For value: Quincy, Medford, and Jamaica Plain offer more affordable rents ($1,600–$2,200/month) with reasonable commutes via MBTA to downtown employers.

For lifestyle: Brookline and Newton provide suburban amenities with lower costs than central Boston while remaining within 20–30 minutes of major employment centers.

Budget 35–40% of gross income for rent to maintain financial flexibility for savings and investments.

How often do data scientist salaries in Boston increase with experience?

Based on typical career progression, data scientists in Boston see annual raises of 3–5% for solid performance. Significant jumps (10–20%+) occur when transitioning from individual contributor to senior roles, staff engineer positions, or management. Changing employers often yields larger raises than internal promotions; data scientists with 5–7 years of experience frequently see 15–25% salary increases when switching to a new company. The competitive Boston market rewards job mobility and skill development.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code 15-2051. Cost-of-living information based on Census American Community Survey and regional market data.

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: This article presents salary data from public sources and is intended for informational purposes. Actual compensation varies based on employer, experience, education, specific skills, and negotiation. This is not financial or career advice. Consult with a career advisor or recruiter for personalized guidance.