Data Scientist Salary in Salt Lake City 2025
Quick Answer
Data Scientist Salary in Salt Lake City: Full Overview
Salt Lake City has emerged as a growing tech hub in the Mountain West, attracting data science talent with competitive compensation packages. The $124,870 average salary reflects the region’s expanding demand for analytics and AI expertise across healthcare, software development, and financial services sectors.
Salary by Experience Level
While the BLS data provides the mean salary figure, data scientists in Salt Lake City typically see progression based on experience:
- Entry-level (0-2 years): Positions typically range from $85,000–$105,000 annually
- Mid-career (3-7 years): Salaries generally fall between $110,000–$150,000
- Senior/Lead (8+ years): Experienced data scientists command $140,000–$180,000+
The $124,870 average reflects a mix of these experience tiers across the metropolitan area.
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Learn More →How Salt Lake City Compares Regionally
Salt Lake City’s data scientist salary is competitive within the Mountain West and Mountain Plains regions. The metro area (which includes Provo, Ogden, Sandy, and West Jordan) benefits from a lower cost of living than coastal tech hubs like San Francisco or Seattle, while offering comparable or sometimes higher real purchasing power for tech professionals.
Key Regional Context
- MSA Population: The Salt Lake City-Provo metro is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the United States
- Tech Sector Growth: The region hosts major operations for companies across software, healthcare IT, and fintech
- Talent Pool: Proximity to the University of Utah and Brigham Young University provides a steady pipeline of data science graduates
Cost of Living Context
Salt Lake City offers a significantly lower cost of living compared to major coastal tech centers, which enhances the real value of a $124,870 salary. Housing, transportation, and general expenses are more affordable, allowing data scientists to stretch their compensation further.
Rent and Housing Costs
Median rent in Salt Lake City varies by neighborhood but typically ranges from $1,400–$1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in desirable tech-adjacent areas. For a data scientist earning $124,870 annually (approximately $10,406 monthly gross), housing costs represent a manageable 13–17% of gross income—well within the 30% affordability threshold recommended by housing experts.
The lower housing costs relative to salary make Salt Lake City an attractive relocation destination for data scientists considering a move from higher-cost metros.
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Learn More →Historical Salary Trends
As of the most recent BLS data (2024), the data scientist role in Salt Lake City is valued at $124,870. The tech sector in the region has experienced steady growth over the past five years, driven by:
- Expansion of software companies and tech startups
- Growth in healthcare technology and biotech
- Increasing adoption of AI and machine learning across industries
- Remote work enabling companies to hire from Salt Lake City’s talent pool
While historical year-over-year salary data is not available in the current dataset, the region’s economic trajectory suggests continued demand for data science roles and potential for salary growth.
Job Outlook for Data Scientists in Salt Lake City
The broader data science field is experiencing strong growth nationally. Data scientists are among the fastest-growing occupational categories, with demand driven by:
- Increased corporate investment in analytics and AI
- Growth in cloud computing and big data infrastructure
- Expansion of machine learning applications across industries
- Regulatory requirements driving data governance and compliance roles
Salt Lake City specifically benefits from a growing tech ecosystem and companies actively expanding their data science teams to compete in digital transformation initiatives.
Education and Entry Requirements
Most data scientist positions in Salt Lake City require:
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or related field
- Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) increasingly preferred for senior roles
- Technical skills: Python, R, SQL, machine learning frameworks, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Experience: 2–5 years in analytics, engineering, or data-related roles typical for mid-career positions
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a data scientist in Salt Lake City?
Entry-level data scientists in Salt Lake City typically start between $85,000 and $105,000 annually. This range applies to candidates with a bachelor’s degree and minimal professional experience (0–2 years). Many companies offer additional benefits including stock options, signing bonuses, and professional development budgets that can add 10–20% to total compensation.
How does Salt Lake City’s data scientist salary compare to the national average?
The national average salary for data scientists is approximately $120,000–$130,000 depending on the data source and year. Salt Lake City’s $124,870 figure (2024 BLS) places the region right at or slightly above the national mean, which is notable given the lower cost of living. This means a data scientist in Salt Lake City has greater real purchasing power than peers earning similar nominal salaries in higher-cost metros like New York, Los Angeles, or San Francisco.
Is it worth relocating to Salt Lake City for a data scientist role?
Relocation to Salt Lake City can be financially attractive for data scientists, particularly those coming from lower-paying regions or seeking better quality of life. Key factors to consider: (1) Housing is 30–50% cheaper than major coastal tech hubs; (2) The job market is growing, reducing competition; (3) The region offers outdoor recreation, lower taxes in some categories, and a growing professional community. However, the metro area is smaller than major tech centers, so job options may be more limited if you need to change employers.
What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Salt Lake City?
Data scientists with expertise in machine learning engineering, cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP), and specialized domains (healthcare, fintech) typically earn at the higher end of the range. Leadership experience and the ability to manage data science teams also correlates with salaries in the $150,000+ range.
What are the top industries hiring data scientists in Salt Lake City?
The region’s strongest sectors for data science roles include: healthcare and biotech (driven by University of Utah and research institutions), software and SaaS companies, financial services and fintech, and government/defense contractors. These sectors offer diverse career paths and competitive compensation.
Should I negotiate my salary offer in Salt Lake City?
Yes. The $124,870 average reflects a wide range of experience and company sizes. Candidates with specialized skills, advanced degrees, or relevant experience should expect to negotiate above the mean. Research company-specific data and local market rates before accepting an offer. Many companies in the region have flexible remote work policies, which can also be negotiated as part of total compensation.
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC Code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations). MSA Code 41620 (Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, UT).
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and other official sources. Actual salaries vary based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role, and market conditions. This information is provided for educational and research purposes and should not be considered financial or career advice. Always consult with industry professionals and conduct independent research when making career decisions.