Data Scientist Salary in Raleigh 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Raleigh: Full Breakdown

Based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, data scientists in Raleigh earn a mean annual salary of $112,710. This positions Raleigh as a competitive market for data science talent within the Southeast.

The $112,710 annual mean translates to approximately $9,393 per month in gross income before taxes and deductions. On an hourly basis (assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year), this equates to roughly $54.19 per hour.

Raleigh’s data science market has benefited from the region’s established presence as part of the Research Triangle, alongside nearby Durham and Chapel Hill. The metropolitan area continues to attract technology companies, research institutions, and startups seeking data science expertise.

The Raleigh Tech Market Context

Data scientists in Raleigh work across diverse industries, including:

• Biotechnology and pharmaceutical research (leveraging the Triangle’s life sciences cluster)
• Software and IT services (growing corporate tech presence)
• Research institutions (universities and independent labs)
• Financial services and banking
• Healthcare and medical device companies

The concentration of these sectors in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area creates multiple pathways for career advancement and salary growth beyond the current mean.

Cost of Living Context

Raleigh has experienced significant growth over the past decade, with corresponding increases in housing costs and cost of living. While specific current median rent data is not available in the provided dataset, the Research Triangle region is known for being more affordable than major coastal tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, yet more expensive than many other Southeastern cities.

For data scientists evaluating a move to Raleigh, the $112,710 salary should be weighed against:

• Housing costs: Raleigh’s real estate market has appreciated substantially
• State income tax: North Carolina has a flat 4.99% state income tax rate
• Overall cost of living: Generally 5-15% lower than national tech hub averages, depending on neighborhood

Nearby Cities in the Research Triangle

The Raleigh metropolitan area includes several notable employment centers:

• Durham: Home to Duke University, Research Triangle Park, and major pharmaceutical/biotech firms
• Cary: Tech corridor with corporate headquarters and growing startup scene
• Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina presence, research-focused opportunities
• Apex: Suburban growth area with increasing corporate relocations

Data scientists often have flexibility to work across the Triangle region, and salary offers may vary slightly by specific city and employer type, though the broader MSA data reflects the interconnected market.

Historical Salary Trend

The most recent BLS data point available is 2024, showing a mean salary of $112,710. Tracking year-over-year changes in data science compensation requires historical comparison; the technology sector has generally seen wage growth outpacing inflation over the past several years, though specific historical trend data for Raleigh data scientists is not available in the current dataset.

For long-term career planning, data scientists should anticipate that:

• Experience and specialization (machine learning, NLP, cloud platforms) command premium salaries
• Advanced degrees (Master’s or PhD) may accelerate compensation growth
• Certifications in popular tools (Python, R, Spark, cloud platforms) strengthen negotiating position

Job Outlook and Growth

Data science remains one of the fastest-growing occupational categories in the United States. The Raleigh market, as part of a major research and technology hub, is well-positioned to benefit from continued demand for data-driven decision-making across industries.

The Research Triangle’s established ecosystem of universities, research institutions, and technology companies creates a robust talent pipeline and ongoing recruitment activity. Job openings for data scientists in Raleigh appear regularly across job boards, with competition for qualified candidates remaining strong.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

While full percentile data is not available in the current dataset, the mean salary of $112,710 suggests that entry-level positions typically offer less. Based on typical tech industry patterns, entry-level data scientists (0-2 years) in Raleigh likely start in the $75,000–$90,000 range, depending on education level and specific employer. Advanced degrees and relevant internship experience can push starting offers higher. Candidates should research specific employers and negotiate based on their background and the company’s scale.

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

The national average for data scientists (SOC 15-2051) varies by source, but Raleigh’s $112,710 mean is competitive for a mid-tier tech market. Raleigh typically pays less than major coastal tech hubs (San Francisco, New York, Boston) but more than smaller metros. The exact comparison depends on the national benchmark used; however, Raleigh’s position within the top-50 U.S. metros for tech employment suggests salaries are aligned with or slightly above national averages for the occupation.

Is it worth moving to Raleigh for a data scientist position?

Raleigh offers several advantages for data scientists: competitive salary ($112,710 mean), lower cost of living than major tech hubs, a strong research and academic ecosystem (Duke, UNC), and a growing startup and corporate tech scene. The Research Triangle’s concentration of biotech, pharma, and tech companies creates diverse career opportunities. However, the decision depends on individual priorities—those seeking maximum salary might target San Francisco or New York, while those prioritizing work-life balance and affordability may find Raleigh highly attractive. Evaluate specific job offers, company culture, and personal relocation costs before deciding.

What industries hire the most data scientists in Raleigh?

The Raleigh metropolitan area’s largest employers of data scientists span biotechnology and pharmaceuticals (Research Triangle Park), software and technology services, universities and research institutions, financial services, and healthcare. The region’s strength in life sciences and research creates particularly strong demand for data scientists in those sectors, often with competitive compensation packages that include equity and benefits beyond base salary.

What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Raleigh?

While specific skill-based salary data is not available, industry trends indicate that data scientists proficient in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), advanced statistical modeling, and big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) typically earn above the mean. Additionally, domain expertise in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or finance—sectors well-represented in Raleigh—can justify premium compensation.

Should I negotiate salary as a data scientist in Raleigh?

Yes. The $112,710 mean represents an average; individual offers will vary based on experience, education, specific skills, and employer size. Data scientists are in-demand talent, and most employers expect negotiation. Research comparable positions, understand your market value, and present a data-driven case for your compensation request. Factors like remote work flexibility, signing bonuses, and equity should also be negotiated if relevant.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code: 15-2051.
Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on public sources and represents statistical averages. Actual compensation varies widely based on individual qualifications, employer, industry, and negotiation. This content is informational and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Consult with career advisors or recruiters for personalized guidance.