Data Scientist Salary in Sacramento 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Sacramento: Full Overview

Data scientists in Sacramento earn a solid middle-tier salary within California’s tech job market. The $108,580 annual mean reflects demand for data analytics and machine learning expertise in the region’s growing technology sector, particularly among state government agencies, healthcare systems, and emerging tech companies.

For context, this salary places Sacramento data scientists above the national average for many comparable roles, though it remains lower than Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area positions. The figure is based on the most recent BLS OEWS survey data from 2024, which captures wage information from employer payroll records across the Sacramento MSA.

Understanding the Salary Range

While the average is $108,580, individual salaries vary significantly based on experience, employer size, industry sector, and specific skill sets. Entry-level data scientists typically earn less, while senior practitioners and those with specialized expertise (machine learning engineering, deep learning, statistical modeling) command premium compensation.

Cost of Living Context

Sacramento’s cost of living is moderately lower than other major California metros, which affects the real purchasing power of a data scientist’s salary. The Sacramento region has experienced significant growth in housing costs over the past decade, though it remains more affordable than the Bay Area or Los Angeles.

A data scientist earning $108,580 annually takes home approximately $7,215 per month (after standard tax withholding), assuming a typical tax burden. This income level supports a comfortable lifestyle in Sacramento, with capacity for savings, housing investment, and discretionary spending.

Housing Affordability

Sacramento’s median home value and rental market have tightened considerably. For professionals considering relocation to Sacramento for data science roles, housing costs represent the largest budgetary consideration. The region includes several suburban communities—Roseville, Elk Grove, Folsom, and Rocklin—which offer varying housing costs and commute times to major employment centers.

Job Market and Demand

Data scientist positions in Sacramento are increasingly common as organizations across healthcare, government, finance, and technology sectors invest in data-driven decision-making. The Sacramento MSA includes major employers in state government, UC Davis, regional hospitals, and growing tech startups.

The demand for data scientists reflects broader trends in artificial intelligence, business intelligence, and predictive analytics adoption. Professionals with strong programming skills (Python, R, SQL), statistical knowledge, and experience with machine learning frameworks find competitive opportunities in the Sacramento job market.

Nearby Cities and Metro Comparison

The Sacramento MSA encompasses several notable employment centers:

• Roseville: Suburban hub with growing tech and healthcare sectors
• Elk Grove: Rapidly developing area south of Sacramento with diverse employers
• Folsom: Home to Intel operations and tech-focused companies
• Rocklin: Northern suburb with manufacturing and logistics presence

Data scientists may find comparable or slightly higher salaries in specialized tech hubs within the region, particularly in Folsom where semiconductor and advanced technology companies concentrate operations.

Career Progression and Advancement

Data scientist roles in Sacramento offer clear advancement pathways to senior data scientist, machine learning engineer, analytics manager, or chief data officer positions. Professionals with 5+ years of experience and proven project leadership typically command 20-40% salary premiums over entry-level compensation.

Continuous skill development in emerging areas—large language models, generative AI, cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), and advanced statistical methods—enhances earning potential and job security.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientist positions in Sacramento typically start between $75,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on the employer, specific role requirements, and candidate qualifications. Recent graduates with strong technical foundations and internship experience may enter at the lower end of this range, while those with relevant certifications or advanced degrees often command higher offers. The $108,580 average reflects a mix of experience levels across the market.

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

Sacramento’s $108,580 average for data scientists is competitive relative to national trends. While specific national data was not available in this analysis, Sacramento’s salary reflects demand for technical talent in a growing regional economy with lower cost of living than coastal tech hubs. Professionals relocating from lower-wage regions often find Sacramento salaries attractive, while those from San Francisco or Silicon Valley may view compensation as modest.

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

Sacramento presents a compelling opportunity for data scientists prioritizing work-life balance, housing affordability relative to other California metros, and quality of life factors. The region offers diverse employers, reasonable commute times, and strong outdoor recreation access. However, professionals prioritizing maximum salary should compare Sacramento offers against Bay Area, Los Angeles, or San Diego opportunities, where compensation typically runs 15-30% higher. For those seeking stability, lower stress, and community engagement, Sacramento’s data science job market is increasingly attractive.

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

While specific skill-based salary data for Sacramento was not available, national trends indicate that expertise in machine learning engineering, deep learning, cloud platform architecture (AWS, GCP, Azure), and specialized domains (healthcare analytics, financial modeling) typically yield 15-25% salary premiums over general data science roles. Professionals with leadership experience managing analytics teams also command higher compensation.

Which industries employ the most data scientists in Sacramento?

The Sacramento MSA’s major employers span state government, healthcare systems (UC Davis Medical Center, regional hospital networks), insurance companies, and growing technology firms. Government agencies increasingly hire data scientists for policy analysis, resource optimization, and public health applications. This sector diversity provides job security and varied career opportunities compared to single-industry markets.

What is the job outlook for data scientists in Sacramento?

Data science continues to be one of the fastest-growing occupational categories nationally. Sacramento’s expanding economy, combined with increasing digital transformation across government and healthcare sectors, suggests sustained or growing demand for data scientists through 2025 and beyond. However, specific growth projections for the Sacramento MSA were not available in this analysis.

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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
Salary figures are based on public data and actual compensation may vary by employer, experience, education, and individual negotiation. This content is informational and does not constitute financial or career advice.