Data Scientist Salary in Milwaukee 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Milwaukee: Overview

Milwaukee has emerged as a competitive market for data science talent, with an average annual salary of $110,910 as of 2024. This figure reflects data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, the most authoritative source for occupational wage data in the United States.

Data scientists in Milwaukee work across diverse industries, including healthcare (particularly medical device and pharmaceutical companies), manufacturing, financial services, and emerging technology startups. The city’s strong industrial base and growing healthcare cluster create consistent demand for professionals who can extract insights from complex datasets.

Key Salary Metric:

• Annual Mean Salary: $110,910 (2024 BLS OEWS)
• Occupational Classification: SOC 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations)
• Geographic Area: Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis MSA

Cost of Living Context

Understanding Milwaukee’s cost of living is essential for evaluating whether the $110,910 average salary represents strong purchasing power. Milwaukee is generally considered an affordable major metropolitan area compared to coastal tech hubs.

Housing and Rent: Milwaukee’s median rent and housing costs are substantially lower than national technology centers like San Francisco, New York, or Seattle. This cost advantage means that a data scientist’s salary stretches further in Milwaukee than in higher-cost regions. For context, the average data scientist earning $110,910 annually has approximately $9,242 in gross monthly income (before taxes). In Milwaukee’s housing market, this provides meaningful flexibility for housing choices, whether renting or purchasing a home.

The affordability factor is particularly significant for early-career data scientists and those relocating to the area. Entry-level positions may offer lower compensation than the $110,910 average, but Milwaukee’s lower cost of living can offset this difference compared to positions in expensive metropolitan areas.

Historical Salary Trend

Data scientist compensation in Milwaukee has been shaped by broader trends in the technology and analytics sectors:

2024 Baseline: The $110,910 average salary in 2024 reflects strong demand for data science expertise driven by:

• Increased corporate investment in artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Digital transformation initiatives across manufacturing and healthcare
• Growing need for data-driven decision-making in traditional industries
• Expansion of tech talent pools beyond traditional tech hubs

Milwaukee’s data science market has benefited from companies seeking to establish or expand analytics capabilities outside of Silicon Valley and other high-cost regions. This geographic diversification has supported competitive salary growth while maintaining the region’s overall cost-of-living advantage.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists

The demand for data scientists continues to grow nationally and regionally. Data science roles are projected to experience strong growth as organizations across all sectors recognize the value of analytics and AI-driven insights.

Career Progression: Data scientists in Milwaukee typically progress through roles such as:

• Junior Data Scientist: Entry-level positions analyzing datasets and building basic models
• Data Scientist: Mid-level roles with expanded responsibility for model development and business impact
• Senior Data Scientist: Leadership positions overseeing analytics strategy and mentoring junior staff
• Principal/Staff Data Scientist: Senior technical leadership roles in larger organizations

Advancement typically requires a combination of technical skills (Python, R, SQL, machine learning frameworks), business acumen, and communication abilities. Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD in data science, statistics, computer science, or related fields) can accelerate career progression, though many successful data scientists hold Bachelor’s degrees with strong self-directed learning.

Top Industries for Data Scientists in Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s economic base provides diverse opportunities for data science professionals:

1. Healthcare & Medical Devices: Companies like Froedtert Health, Advocate Aurora Health, and medical device manufacturers employ data scientists for clinical analytics, drug development, and operational optimization
2. Manufacturing: Industrial companies use data science for predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, and quality control
3. Financial Services: Regional banks and insurance companies employ data scientists for risk modeling and customer analytics
4. Technology & Software: Growing tech sector companies and software firms building analytics capabilities
5. Education & Research: University research centers and medical schools conducting data-intensive research

Salary Negotiation & Compensation Factors

Several factors influence individual data scientist compensation in Milwaukee:

Experience Level: Entry-level data scientists typically earn less than the $110,910 average, while senior professionals with 5+ years of experience command premium salaries.

Education & Credentials: Advanced degrees (Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, or Computer Science) and professional certifications can support higher compensation.

Technical Skills: Expertise in high-demand areas like machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and specialized tools (TensorFlow, PyTorch) can increase earning potential.

Industry Sector: Healthcare and financial services typically offer higher compensation than other sectors.

Company Size: Larger organizations and well-funded tech companies generally offer higher salaries than startups or smaller firms.

Related Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientists in Milwaukee typically start below the $110,910 average. While specific entry-level salary data for Milwaukee is limited in the available BLS data, entry-level positions nationally for data science roles typically range from $70,000 to $90,000 annually. Milwaukee’s lower cost of living provides a significant advantage for early-career professionals compared to starting salaries in expensive coastal markets.

How does Milwaukee’s data scientist salary compare to other Midwest cities?

Milwaukee is competitive within the Midwest region. While specific comparative data for nearby cities is not available in the current dataset, Milwaukee generally offers strong salaries relative to its cost of living compared to smaller Midwest metros, while remaining more affordable than Chicago or Minneapolis-St. Paul. The $110,910 average reflects Milwaukee’s position as a significant regional technology and healthcare hub.

Is it worth relocating to Milwaukee as a data scientist?

For many data scientists, relocation to Milwaukee can be financially advantageous. The $110,910 average salary, combined with Milwaukee’s lower housing costs and cost of living compared to major tech hubs, can result in higher real purchasing power and quality of life. Additionally, Milwaukee offers a strong job market for data scientists, diverse industry opportunities, and a lower cost of living that allows professionals to build wealth more effectively than in expensive coastal markets.

What skills command the highest data scientist salaries in Milwaukee?

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning, advanced statistical modeling, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) typically earn above-average compensation. Additionally, domain expertise in healthcare analytics, financial modeling, or manufacturing optimization can support premium salaries in Milwaukee’s key industries.

How often do data scientist salaries increase in Milwaukee?

While specific Milwaukee salary growth data is not available in the current dataset, data science remains a high-growth field nationally. Professionals who continuously develop skills, take on more complex projects, and move into senior or specialized roles typically see salary increases of 10-15% or more with job changes. Internal promotions and performance-based raises are common in growing organizations.

What education is needed to become a data scientist in Milwaukee?

Most data scientist positions require at least a Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or Engineering. Many professionals in Milwaukee hold Master’s degrees in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields, which can accelerate career progression and support higher salaries. Self-taught professionals with strong portfolios and demonstrated skills can also secure positions, though advanced education remains common in the field.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2024. Occupational Classification: SOC 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations). Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis MSA (Code 33340).

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: This article presents salary data based on public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, experience, employer, and specific role responsibilities. This content is informational only and should not be considered financial or career advice. Consult with career counselors or industry professionals for personalized guidance.