Data Scientist Salary in Dallas-Fort Worth 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Dallas-Fort Worth: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area offers strong compensation for data science professionals. The mean annual salary is $119,130, reflecting the region’s growing demand for analytics and AI talent. This figure is based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey for SOC code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations).

The Dallas-Fort Worth metro—which includes major employment centers in Plano, Arlington, Irving, Frisco, and McKinney—has become increasingly attractive to data science talent due to lower cost-of-living compared to coastal tech hubs, combined with competitive salaries and strong job growth in the technology and financial services sectors.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding the real purchasing power of a Dallas-Fort Worth data scientist salary requires context on local living costs. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is significantly more affordable than major tech centers like San Francisco or New York, which means your $119,130 salary stretches further.

Key cost-of-living metrics:

• The region’s cost-of-living index is substantially lower than the national average, meaning housing, transportation, and general expenses consume less of your income
• Housing affordability is a major draw: the Dallas-Fort Worth area offers diverse neighborhoods with varying price points, from affordable suburbs to upscale urban cores
• No state income tax in Texas provides additional financial advantage—this is equivalent to a 5-10% raise compared to high-tax states

At the $119,130 annual mean salary, a data scientist’s monthly take-home (after taxes, assuming standard deductions) is approximately $7,200-$7,800, depending on tax withholdings. This purchasing power is notably higher than the same salary in California or New York due to lower state and local taxes.

Job Outlook and Growth Projections

The data science field continues to experience robust growth nationally and regionally. Dallas-Fort Worth’s economy is increasingly data-driven, with major employers across multiple sectors investing heavily in analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities.

Why data science roles are growing in Dallas-Fort Worth:

• Technology sector expansion: Companies like Texas Instruments, AT&T (headquartered in Dallas), and numerous mid-market tech firms are building or expanding data science teams
• Financial services: Multiple regional and national financial institutions maintain significant operations in the metro area
• Healthcare and biotech: Growing healthcare systems and medical device companies require data science expertise
• Retail and e-commerce: Regional headquarters for major retailers are increasingly data-focused

The occupational category (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, SOC 15-2051) is among the fastest-growing professional roles in the United States, with demand outpacing supply for qualified candidates.

Top Employers for Data Scientists in Dallas-Fort Worth

The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area hosts a diverse range of employers actively hiring data scientists:

Major employers in the region include:

• AT&T (Dallas headquarters) – One of the largest employers in the metro area, with significant data science and analytics operations
• Texas Instruments (Dallas) – Semiconductor and electronics company with substantial data science needs
• Fiserv (regional operations) – Financial services software and processing
• Comerica (Dallas headquarters) – Regional banking and financial services
• Lockheed Martin (Fort Worth) – Defense and aerospace contractor
• American Airlines (Fort Worth headquarters) – Major employer with analytics operations
• Sabre Corporation (Southlake) – Travel technology and data analytics
• Numerous mid-market technology, consulting, and professional services firms

Notable Cities Within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro

The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan statistical area (MSA 19100) spans multiple cities, each with distinct characteristics:

• Dallas – The largest city, home to major corporate headquarters and the downtown tech scene
• Fort Worth – Western anchor of the metro, with aerospace, defense, and manufacturing presence
• Plano – Northern suburb with significant tech company presence (headquarters for companies like Denso and host to major tech offices)
• Arlington – Central location between Dallas and Fort Worth, growing tech and business services sector
• Frisco – Rapidly growing northern suburb with corporate relocations and tech investment
• McKinney – Northeast growth area with emerging tech sector presence

Data scientist salaries may vary slightly across these cities based on local cost-of-living and specific industry concentrations, though the regional market is relatively integrated.

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FAQ

What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Entry-level data scientist positions in Dallas-Fort Worth typically start at or below the 25th percentile of the regional range. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, or related field and limited professional experience can expect starting offers in the $80,000–$95,000 range. This varies based on the employer, specific skill set, and whether the role emphasizes machine learning, business analytics, or data engineering. Internship experience and relevant projects significantly improve entry-level offers.

How does data scientist salary in Dallas-Fort Worth compare to the national average?

The national average for data scientists is approximately $120,000–$130,000 annually, making Dallas-Fort Worth’s mean of $119,130 slightly below the national average in nominal terms. However, when cost-of-living is factored in—particularly the absence of state income tax in Texas and lower housing costs—the real purchasing power of a Dallas-Fort Worth salary is often equivalent to or exceeds salaries in higher-cost metros. This makes Dallas-Fort Worth competitive and attractive for data science professionals seeking both compensation and quality of life.

Is it worth moving to Dallas-Fort Worth for a data scientist position?

For many data science professionals, relocating to Dallas-Fort Worth offers strong value. The region provides competitive salaries ($119,130 average), no state income tax (saving 5-10% vs. California or New York), significantly lower cost of living, growing job opportunities across multiple industries, and a strong professional community. The trade-off is that you may find slightly lower nominal salaries compared to major coastal tech hubs, but the purchasing power and quality-of-life factors often make it a net positive move. Consider your career stage: early-career professionals benefit from lower living costs, while experienced practitioners may prioritize access to the largest tech companies (concentrated in San Francisco and Seattle).

What skills command the highest data scientist salaries in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), Python/R programming, and big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) typically earn at the higher end of the salary range. Additionally, domain expertise in finance, healthcare, or aerospace can command premium compensation. Advanced certifications (AWS Certified Machine Learning, Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer) and experience with real-time analytics systems also support higher salary negotiations.

What education do most data scientists in Dallas-Fort Worth have?

The typical entry-level requirement is a bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, computer science, mathematics, or a related quantitative field. Many employers prefer or require a master’s degree in data science, statistics, or computer science, which can accelerate career progression and salary growth. Ph.D. holders in quantitative fields are often recruited for senior or research-focused roles. Bootcamp graduates with strong portfolios can enter the field, though they may face slightly longer hiring timelines compared to degree holders.

How frequently do data scientist salaries increase in Dallas-Fort Worth?

Data scientist salaries typically increase with experience and skill advancement. Early-career professionals (0–3 years) can expect 10–15% annual salary growth with job changes or promotions. Mid-career professionals (3–7 years) often see 5–10% annual growth. Lateral moves between companies often yield larger salary increases (15–25%) than staying with a single employer. The competitive talent market in Dallas-Fort Worth supports strong negotiation leverage, particularly for candidates with proven track records and specialized skills.

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

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: This article presents salary data from public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role responsibilities, experience level, and market conditions. This information is for educational and research purposes and should not be considered financial or career advice. Consult with career advisors or salary negotiation professionals for personalized guidance.