Data Scientist Salary Philadelphia 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Philadelphia: Full Breakdown

Based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, data scientists in Philadelphia earn a mean annual salary of $118,310. This figure reflects the Philadelphia metropolitan area, which includes surrounding regions such as Camden, Wilmington, King of Prussia, and Cherry Hill.

The $118,310 average represents compensation across all experience levels and employer types in the Philadelphia region. Data scientists in this market range from early-career professionals to senior practitioners managing complex analytical projects for Fortune 500 companies, healthcare institutions, and financial services firms.

Understanding Your Earning Potential

The mean salary of $118,310 provides a useful reference point, but it’s important to understand that individual compensation varies significantly based on:

• Years of experience: Entry-level data scientists typically earn substantially less than the mean, while senior practitioners and those in specialized roles command premiums
• Industry sector: Financial services, healthcare, and technology firms generally offer higher compensation than other sectors
• Educational background: Advanced degrees (Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, or related fields) often correlate with higher starting salaries
• Technical specialization: Expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, cloud platforms, and big data technologies increases earning potential

Cost of Living Context

Philadelphia’s cost of living is an important factor when evaluating the $118,310 salary figure. The city offers a more affordable living environment compared to other major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, and Boston, which means your purchasing power extends further.

Housing and Rent Considerations: Philadelphia’s median rent varies by neighborhood but remains competitive compared to coastal tech centers. When evaluating a data scientist position in Philadelphia, consider that housing costs typically consume 25-35% of gross income for professionals earning around $118,310. This is more favorable than many competing markets where rent-to-income ratios exceed 40%.

Neighborhood Salary Context: The Philadelphia metro area includes several satellite cities and regions where data scientists may find employment:

• King of Prussia: Home to major corporate headquarters and consulting firms
• Camden, NJ: Growing tech and financial services sector
• Wilmington, DE: Financial services and healthcare innovation hub
• Cherry Hill, NJ: Suburban professional services and tech companies

These nearby markets may offer slightly different compensation ranges based on local industry concentration and cost of living variations.

Job Outlook and Career Growth

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the United States. The Philadelphia metropolitan area, with its strong presence in healthcare, financial services, pharmaceuticals, and insurance, creates robust demand for data science talent.

Key Growth Drivers in Philadelphia:

• Healthcare and Life Sciences: Major medical institutions and pharmaceutical companies require data scientists for clinical research, patient outcomes analysis, and drug development
• Financial Services: Banks, insurance companies, and fintech firms need data scientists for risk modeling, fraud detection, and customer analytics
• Education and Research: Universities and research institutions employ data scientists across numerous disciplines
• Government and Public Sector: Federal agencies and city government increasingly rely on data science for policy analysis and operations

The demand for data scientists with specialized skills in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) continues to outpace supply, suggesting strong salary growth potential for professionals in this field.

Experience and Skill Premium

While the average data scientist salary in Philadelphia is $118,310, compensation varies significantly by experience level:

Entry-Level Data Scientists (0-2 years): Typically earn 15-25% below the mean salary, often in the $85,000-$100,000 range, particularly if they’re transitioning from bootcamps or early-career academic roles.

Mid-Career Data Scientists (3-7 years): Usually earn at or slightly above the mean, with salaries ranging from $110,000-$140,000, depending on specialization and employer.

Senior Data Scientists and Leads (8+ years): Command premiums of 20-40% above the mean, often reaching $140,000-$180,000+, especially in leadership roles or with specialized expertise.

Specialized Skills Premium: Data scientists with expertise in deep learning, NLP, computer vision, or specialized cloud platforms often earn 10-25% above the mean for their experience level.

Negotiation and Compensation Strategy

When evaluating a data scientist offer in Philadelphia at or near the $118,310 average:

1. Research your specific employer: Large corporations and tech firms often pay above the metropolitan average
2. Consider total compensation: Benefits, equity, bonuses, and remote work flexibility add significant value beyond base salary
3. Factor in cost of living: Philadelphia’s lower housing costs mean your $118,310 salary provides more purchasing power than equivalent salaries in expensive metros
4. Account for growth trajectory: Early-career positions may offer lower base salary but stronger growth potential

Related Guides

FAQ

What is the average starting salary for a data scientist in Philadelphia?

Entry-level data scientists in Philadelphia typically earn between $85,000 and $100,000 annually, which is approximately 15-25% below the metropolitan average of $118,310. Starting salary depends heavily on educational background (bootcamp vs. Master’s degree), prior experience in quantitative roles, and the hiring company’s size and industry. Graduates from top data science programs or those with relevant internship experience often command higher entry-level offers.

How does Philadelphia’s data scientist salary compare to other major cities?

Philadelphia’s $118,310 average is competitive and more affordable than major tech hubs. While cities like San Francisco, New York, and Boston offer higher nominal salaries (often $130,000-$160,000+), their cost of living is substantially higher. Philadelphia provides an attractive balance: strong salary compensation with significantly lower housing costs, making it an increasingly popular destination for data science talent seeking both earning potential and quality of life.

Is it worth relocating to Philadelphia for a data scientist position?

Relocation to Philadelphia for a data scientist role is worth considering if the position offers competitive compensation relative to your current location, particularly if you’re moving from a lower cost-of-living area. Philadelphia’s advantages include a robust job market across healthcare, finance, and technology sectors; lower housing costs than coastal tech hubs; strong educational institutions; and a growing startup ecosystem. The $118,310 average salary, combined with lower living expenses, often results in superior financial outcomes compared to higher-paying but more expensive markets.

What industries in Philadelphia pay the highest data scientist salaries?

Financial services, pharmaceuticals/healthcare, and insurance firms typically pay above the $118,310 metropolitan average for data scientists. These sectors have mission-critical analytics needs and mature data science practices. Tech companies and consulting firms also offer competitive compensation. Government and academic positions may pay below average but often provide stability, benefits, and remote work flexibility.

What skills command premium salaries for data scientists in Philadelphia?

Data scientists in Philadelphia with expertise in machine learning engineering, artificial intelligence, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and specialized domains like healthcare analytics or financial modeling typically earn 10-25% above the metropolitan average. Leadership and communication skills, along with business acumen, also correlate with higher compensation, especially for senior roles.

How often do data scientist salaries increase in Philadelphia?

Based on typical career progression, data scientists in Philadelphia can expect 3-5% annual salary increases with their current employer, assuming consistent performance. Changing employers typically yields larger increases (10-20%), particularly when moving from mid-career to senior roles. The strong demand for data science talent supports regular salary growth, especially for those who develop specialized skills or take on leadership responsibilities.

---

Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2024 (SOC code 15-2051, Philadelphia MSA 37980). This article is informational and based on aggregated public data. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, role specifics, and market conditions. This is not financial or career advice.

Last updated: April 10, 2026