Data Scientist Salary in New York 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in New York: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey reports an annual mean salary of $139,810 for data scientists in the New York metropolitan area. This figure represents the average compensation across all experience levels and employer sizes in the region.

The New York metro area encompasses several major employment centers including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Jersey City, Newark, and Stamford—each with distinct labor markets and salary variations. Manhattan remains the primary hub for data science roles, particularly in financial services and technology sectors, where compensation tends to skew toward the higher end of the range.

Key Context: Data scientists in New York earn significantly above the national baseline, reflecting the region’s position as a global financial and technology center. The concentration of Fortune 500 companies, fintech startups, media organizations, and healthcare institutions creates sustained demand for data talent, driving competitive wage growth.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding raw salary figures requires cost-of-living context. New York, particularly Manhattan and nearby Brooklyn, ranks among the most expensive metropolitan areas in the United States. Housing costs, transportation, and general expenses are substantially higher than the national average.

Housing Impact: Median rent in New York varies dramatically by borough. Manhattan’s median rent exceeds $3,500/month for a one-bedroom apartment, while outer boroughs like Queens offer more affordable options in the $2,000–$2,500 range. For a data scientist earning $139,810 annually (approximately $11,650 gross monthly), housing costs consume a significant portion of take-home pay—typically 30–50% depending on neighborhood choice and lifestyle.

The $139,810 annual salary translates to roughly $9,320 per month after taxes (assuming ~20% effective tax rate for New York State and federal combined). This means median rent in Manhattan consumes approximately 38–40% of monthly take-home pay, aligning with the common financial guideline that housing should not exceed 30% of gross income. Professionals in this role often live in outer boroughs, Westchester County, or New Jersey to achieve better housing cost ratios.

Salary Trend Over Time

The data scientist role has experienced significant growth in New York over the past decade. The 2024 BLS mean salary of $139,810 reflects sustained demand and wage growth in this occupation. Data science emerged as a formal occupational category in BLS reporting around 2018, so historical trend data prior to that point is limited. However, since formal tracking began, compensation has grown steadily as organizations increasingly invest in data analytics, machine learning, and AI initiatives.

The New York market specifically has benefited from:

• Financial services modernization: Major banks and investment firms competing for data science talent
• Tech sector growth: Expansion of technology companies and venture-backed startups
• Healthcare analytics: Increased demand from hospital systems and biotech firms
• Media and entertainment: Streaming platforms and digital media companies building data teams

These sectors collectively drive wage competition upward in the New York region.

Job Outlook

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the United States. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong growth in computer and information research science roles (which includes data science). The New York market specifically benefits from:

• Consistent hiring demand: Financial services, healthcare, and technology sectors all actively recruit data scientists
• Skill premium: Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) in data science, statistics, or computer science command higher salaries
• Specialization opportunities: Machine learning engineering, data engineering, and AI specialization roles offer additional career paths and compensation growth

Typical education: Most data scientist positions require at minimum a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or a related field. Many employers prefer or require a Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, or related disciplines. Relevant certifications and demonstrated portfolio projects can partially substitute for advanced degrees, particularly at earlier career stages.

Related Guides

FAQ

What is the starting salary for a data scientist in New York?

Entry-level data scientist positions in New York typically start around $90,000–$110,000 annually, depending on education level and specific employer. Candidates with a Master’s degree in Data Science or related field tend to enter at the higher end of this range. The BLS 2024 mean of $139,810 represents the average across all experience levels, so early-career professionals should expect initial compensation below this figure with growth potential as they gain experience and specialize in high-demand areas like machine learning or cloud data engineering.

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

New York’s $139,810 average data scientist salary is substantially above the national average, reflecting the region’s high cost of living and concentrated demand for data talent. The national median for data scientists is typically in the $120,000–$130,000 range, making New York approximately 8–15% higher than the national baseline. However, when adjusted for cost of living, the real purchasing power advantage narrows considerably—a data scientist in a lower-cost region like Austin, Texas or Denver, Colorado may actually have greater real income after accounting for housing, taxes, and general expenses.

Is it worth relocating to New York for a data scientist position?

Relocation to New York makes financial sense if: (1) your current role pays significantly less than $139,810 and you can secure a position at or above this level; (2) you have access to employer relocation assistance or your new employer covers moving costs; (3) you plan to remain in the data science field long-term and value access to the densest concentration of data science employers and networking opportunities in the country; (4) you can afford housing costs or secure employer housing benefits. However, if your current location offers competitive salary ($130,000+) with substantially lower cost of living, the net financial benefit of relocating may be minimal or negative. Consider quality of life factors, career growth opportunities, and personal circumstances alongside pure salary comparison.

What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in New York?

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning engineering, cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), advanced statistics, and AI/deep learning specializations typically earn 15–30% above the regional average. Additionally, domain expertise in financial services, healthcare, or fintech sectors correlates with higher compensation. Professionals with both technical depth and business acumen—those who can translate data science projects into business value—tend to advance more quickly and earn premium salaries in the New York market.

How does compensation vary by employer type in New York?

Financial services firms (banks, hedge funds, fintech companies) typically offer the highest data scientist salaries in New York, often $150,000–$200,000+ for experienced professionals, plus significant bonus structures. Technology companies and media firms offer competitive salaries in the $130,000–$160,000 range. Healthcare and nonprofit organizations typically offer $110,000–$130,000. The variation reflects both the revenue and profitability of different sectors and their reliance on data-driven decision-making.

---

Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. Occupational classification: Data Scientists (SOC 15-2051), New York Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA 35620).

Disclaimer: This article presents salary data based on public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual compensation varies widely based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role responsibilities, and negotiation. This information is provided for research and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or career advice. Always conduct independent research and consult with career professionals when making employment decisions.

Last Updated: April 10, 2026