Data Scientist Salary in Charlotte 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Charlotte: Overview

Data scientists in Charlotte earn a solid middle-tier salary within the tech and analytics sector. The $130,100 annual mean reflects demand for data-driven roles in the region’s growing financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors.

Charlotte has emerged as a secondary tech hub in the Southeast, with major employers in banking, healthcare systems, and business services increasingly investing in data analytics capabilities. This demand supports competitive compensation for qualified data scientists.

Key Context: The $130,100 figure represents the mean (average) salary across all data scientists in the Charlotte MSA as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey for 2024. Actual salaries vary significantly based on experience, employer size, industry, and specific skill sets (machine learning, cloud platforms, statistical modeling).

Understanding the Salary Range

While the BLS reports an annual mean of $130,100, individual salaries vary considerably:

• Entry-level positions typically start below the mean, with candidates holding a bachelor’s degree and minimal industry experience
• Mid-career professionals (5-10 years) often earn at or above the mean
• Senior data scientists and those with specialized expertise (deep learning, MLOps, industry-specific domain knowledge) command premium compensation above the mean

The spread between entry and senior roles in data science can exceed 50-75%, making experience and specialization critical salary drivers.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding Charlotte’s cost of living is essential for evaluating whether the $130,100 salary provides strong purchasing power.

Charlotte offers a moderate cost of living compared to major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York. While specific median rent and housing cost data from the most recent Census ACS or Zillow reports was not available in the current dataset, Charlotte is generally recognized as an affordable metropolitan area relative to its economic opportunities.

What This Means for Your Budget: The $130,100 annual salary translates to approximately $10,842 per month gross, or roughly $7,500-$8,000 monthly take-home (depending on taxes and benefits). In Charlotte’s moderate cost-of-living environment, this supports comfortable housing, transportation, and living expenses for a single professional or small household.

For cost-of-living comparisons, Charlotte is typically 10-15% more affordable than the national average for major metros, meaning the real purchasing power of a Charlotte data scientist salary exceeds the nominal figure when compared to coastal tech centers.

Notable Employers and Metro Areas

Charlotte’s metropolitan area includes several satellite cities and towns with their own employment centers:

• Gastonia – Manufacturing and industrial hub
• Concord – Suburban employment center
• Rock Hill, SC – Growing tech and corporate presence
• Huntersville – Northern Charlotte suburbs with corporate offices

Data science roles in Charlotte are concentrated in:

1. Financial Services – Bank of America headquarters, Wells Fargo, and regional financial firms
2. Healthcare – Atrium Health, Novant Health, and medical device companies
3. Retail & E-commerce – Distribution and logistics optimization
4. Technology Services – Software, cloud, and IT consulting firms

Salary variation across these industries can be significant, with financial services typically offering 10-20% premiums over other sectors for equivalent roles.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists

The data science field continues to experience strong demand nationally. Data scientist roles are projected to grow as organizations across all sectors prioritize data-driven decision-making, artificial intelligence adoption, and predictive analytics.

In Charlotte specifically, the presence of major financial institutions and healthcare systems creates sustained demand for data talent. The region’s growing tech ecosystem—supported by initiatives to attract startups and tech companies—further strengthens job market prospects for data scientists.

Skills in High Demand:

• Python and R programming
• Machine learning and statistical modeling
• Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• SQL and database management
• Data visualization and communication
• Domain expertise in finance or healthcare

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientists in Charlotte typically earn below the $130,100 mean, generally ranging from $85,000 to $110,000 annually, depending on educational background and internship experience. A bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related field is standard. Many employers prefer candidates with internship experience or a master’s degree, which can accelerate starting offers by $5,000-$15,000.

How does Charlotte’s data scientist salary compare to other Southeast cities?

Charlotte is positioned as a competitive regional market for data science talent. While specific comparative data for nearby Southeast metros was not available in the current dataset, Charlotte’s $130,100 mean is supported by major employers and a growing tech sector. Nearby cities like Rock Hill, SC and Gastonia, NC typically offer slightly lower salaries (5-10% below Charlotte) due to smaller employer bases, while major metros like Atlanta and Nashville command similar or slightly higher rates.

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

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning engineering, cloud architecture (AWS/Azure), and industry-specific domain knowledge (financial modeling, healthcare analytics, supply chain optimization) typically earn 15-30% above the mean. Certifications in cloud platforms and demonstrated experience with large-scale data infrastructure also support premium compensation.

Is Charlotte a good market for remote data science work?

Yes. Charlotte’s established financial services and healthcare sectors support robust remote work arrangements, and the region’s cost of living advantage makes it attractive for remote workers earning coastal-level salaries while living in a more affordable area. However, on-site and hybrid roles remain common, particularly at major employer headquarters.

How often do data scientist salaries increase in Charlotte?

Annual salary growth for data scientists typically ranges from 3-5% for standard cost-of-living adjustments, with larger increases (8-15%) available through promotions to senior or lead roles, job changes to higher-paying employers, or acquisition of high-demand skills. The tech sector’s competitive talent market supports relatively strong wage growth compared to traditional industries.

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

Most data science positions in Charlotte require at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field. Many employers prefer or require a master’s degree in data science, statistics, or computer science. Bootcamp graduates with strong portfolios and relevant experience can compete for entry-level roles, though degree-holding candidates typically have an advantage in salary negotiation and advancement opportunities.

---

Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC code 15-2051 (Data Scientists). Charlotte MSA code 16740.

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: Salary data presented is based on public sources and represents aggregated, anonymized information. Actual compensation varies based on employer, experience, education, skills, and market conditions. This content is informational and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Consult with career counselors or compensation professionals for personalized guidance.