Data Scientist Salary Minneapolis 2026
Quick Answer
Data Scientist Salary in Minneapolis: Full Breakdown
As of 2024, Minneapolis offers solid compensation for data scientists compared to many regional markets. The mean annual salary of $119,860 reflects strong demand for analytics and data engineering talent in the Twin Cities metro area (MSA code 33460, SOC code 15-2051).
Minneapolis has positioned itself as a growing hub for data-driven industries, including healthcare analytics, financial services, and retail technology. Companies headquartered in and around the metro—including major employers in the surrounding communities of Saint Paul, Bloomington, Plymouth, and Eden Prairie—actively recruit data science talent, supporting competitive wage growth in the region.
Key Salary Insights:
- Annual Mean: $119,860 (BLS OEWS, 2024)
- Data Currency: Latest available BLS data from 2024
- Occupational Code: 15-2051 (Data Scientists)
- Metro Area: Minneapolis-Saint Paul-Bloomington MSA
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Learn More →Cost of Living Context
Understanding your salary in Minneapolis requires context around local living expenses. The Twin Cities region offers a moderate cost of living compared to coastal tech hubs, which means your $119,860 salary carries more purchasing power than it would in San Francisco or New York.
Housing and Rent Considerations: The Minneapolis metro area’s housing market is relatively accessible for professionals earning data science salaries. While specific median rent data for the current period is not available in the latest dataset, historical trends show Minneapolis maintains lower housing costs than major coastal metros, making it an attractive relocation destination for remote workers transitioning from high-cost-of-living areas.
Factors Affecting Take-Home Pay:
- Minnesota state income tax: approximately 5.7% to 9.85% depending on bracket
- Federal income tax: Standard federal withholding applies
- Local property taxes: Moderate compared to national average
- Cost of living index: Generally favorable for tech professionals
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Learn More →Job Outlook and Career Growth
Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the United States. The Minneapolis metro area, anchored by Fortune 500 companies and a robust healthcare and financial services sector, continues to show strong demand for data science professionals.
Why Minneapolis for Data Scientists:
- Healthcare Analytics: Major medical device and health insurance companies drive demand
- Financial Services: Multiple banking and fintech firms operate regionally
- Retail Technology: Headquarters for major retail corporations expanding data capabilities
- Lower Competition: Fewer data scientists per capita than coastal metros, potentially advantageous for job seekers
The region’s diverse industry base means data scientists can find opportunities across healthcare, finance, retail, manufacturing, and technology sectors—providing career flexibility and multiple advancement pathways.
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FAQ
What is the average data scientist salary in Minneapolis compared to the national market?
The Minneapolis data scientist salary of $119,860 (2024, BLS OEWS) positions the city competitively within the Midwest and offers meaningful compensation for the regional cost of living. While coastal tech hubs like San Francisco and New York typically command 20-40% higher salaries, Minneapolis offers a lower cost of living that partially offsets the nominal salary difference, making it financially attractive for professionals prioritizing quality of life and housing affordability.
Is Minneapolis a good market for data scientists seeking career growth?
Yes. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul metro area offers diverse employment opportunities across healthcare, finance, retail, and technology sectors. The presence of major corporations and growing startups creates multiple pathways for career advancement. The lower concentration of data science talent compared to coastal markets can actually benefit job seekers, as competition for positions may be less intense while employer demand remains strong.
What industries in Minneapolis hire the most data scientists?
The primary sectors employing data scientists in the Minneapolis metro include healthcare and medical devices, financial services and banking, retail and e-commerce, and manufacturing. This industry diversity provides job security and flexibility—if one sector experiences a downturn, professionals can pivot to other growing fields within the same metro area.
How does the cost of living in Minneapolis affect purchasing power for data scientists?
Minneapolis offers substantially lower housing costs than major tech hubs, meaning the $119,860 salary (2024) translates to greater purchasing power. A data scientist earning this salary in Minneapolis can typically afford homeownership more easily, support a family on a single income, and save a larger percentage of earnings compared to peers in higher-cost metros. This makes Minneapolis particularly attractive for professionals prioritizing financial stability and wealth building.
What salary negotiation factors should Minneapolis data scientists consider?
When negotiating data science positions in Minneapolis, consider: your specific technical skills (Python, SQL, machine learning frameworks), years of relevant experience, the employer’s industry and profitability, whether the role includes leadership responsibilities, and equity/stock options if applicable. The $119,860 mean salary (BLS 2024) serves as a reasonable benchmark, but individual offers may vary significantly based on these factors. Research specific employers and their typical compensation ranges before negotiating.
Are there opportunities for remote data scientists to relocate to Minneapolis?
Absolutely. Many companies now offer remote or hybrid arrangements, allowing data scientists to maintain higher coastal salaries while relocating to Minneapolis’ lower cost of living. This arbitrage opportunity—earning a six-figure remote salary while living in a market where $119,860 is the regional mean—has driven talent migration to the Twin Cities in recent years. However, ensure your employment agreement permits relocation before making the move.
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. Occupational code 15-2051 (Data Scientists). Minneapolis-Saint Paul-Bloomington MSA (code 33460).
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on publicly available sources and represents aggregate averages. Individual compensation varies based on experience, education, employer, specific role responsibilities, and market conditions. This content is informational and does not constitute financial or career advice. Always conduct independent research and consult with HR professionals or career advisors before making employment decisions.