Data Scientist Salary in Salt Lake City 2026
Quick Answer
Data Scientist Salary in Salt Lake City: Full Breakdown
As of 2024, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that data scientists in Salt Lake City earn an average annual salary of $124,870. This figure reflects the mean wage for professionals in this role across the metropolitan area, which includes surrounding communities such as Provo, Ogden, Sandy, and West Jordan.
The Salt Lake City metro area has established itself as a growing technology hub, attracting data science talent and creating competitive compensation packages. Understanding the full salary landscape requires examining not just the average, but the range of compensation across experience levels and employer types.
Cost of Living Context
Salt Lake City offers a moderate cost of living compared to other major U.S. tech hubs. The metropolitan area’s housing market, employment diversity, and quality of life make it an attractive destination for data science professionals seeking competitive salaries without the extreme cost-of-living adjustments found in coastal tech centers like San Francisco or New York.
When evaluating a $124,870 annual salary in Salt Lake City, it’s important to consider:
- Housing affordability: Salt Lake City’s real estate market remains more accessible than many competing tech markets
- State income tax: Utah has a flat 4.65% state income tax rate, which is favorable compared to many states
- Quality of life: The proximity to outdoor recreation, cultural amenities, and family-friendly communities adds non-monetary value to compensation packages
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Learn More →Job Outlook for Data Scientists in Salt Lake City
The demand for data science talent continues to grow across the United States, and Salt Lake City is no exception. The metropolitan area’s diverse economy—spanning technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors—creates sustained demand for professionals who can extract insights from data and drive business decisions.
Data scientist positions typically require:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in computer science, mathematics, statistics, or related field; many employers prefer advanced degrees (Master’s or Ph.D.)
- Skills: Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, machine learning frameworks, and data visualization tools
- Experience: Entry-level positions often require 0-2 years; mid-level roles typically 2-5 years; senior positions 5+ years
The Salt Lake City metro area’s job market for data scientists benefits from:
- Growing tech sector presence with companies establishing regional offices
- Financial services industry demand for risk modeling and analytics
- Healthcare sector expansion requiring clinical data analysis
- Manufacturing and logistics optimization through data-driven processes
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Learn More →Top Employers for Data Scientists in Salt Lake City
The Salt Lake City metropolitan area hosts numerous organizations actively hiring data science talent. Major employers span multiple industries:
Technology Sector: Software companies and tech startups in the region compete for data science talent, offering competitive salaries and equity packages.
Financial Services: Banking institutions and fintech companies require data scientists for fraud detection, risk assessment, and customer analytics.
Healthcare: Hospital systems and health insurance companies seek data scientists for clinical outcomes research and operational efficiency.
E-commerce and Retail: Distribution centers and retail operations in the region employ data scientists for supply chain optimization and customer behavior analysis.
Nearby Cities in the Salt Lake City Metro Area
The Salt Lake City metropolitan statistical area includes several surrounding communities where data scientists may find employment:
- Provo: Home to Brigham Young University and a growing tech corridor, offering competitive opportunities in software development and data science
- Ogden: Industrial and manufacturing hub with increasing demand for data analytics professionals
- Sandy: Suburban community with proximity to Salt Lake City’s job market
- West Jordan: Growing residential area with access to Salt Lake City metro employment opportunities
Data scientists considering relocation to the Salt Lake City area should evaluate opportunities not just in the city proper, but across the broader metropolitan region, which offers diverse employment options and varying costs of living.
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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 below the metropolitan average of $124,870. Recent graduates or professionals transitioning into data science from other fields can expect starting salaries in the $70,000–$90,000 range, depending on educational credentials (advanced degrees command higher starting offers) and specific skill sets. Companies in Salt Lake City’s growing tech sector often offer competitive entry-level packages to attract talent.
How does the data scientist salary in Salt Lake City compare to the national average?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2024, the Salt Lake City metropolitan area’s average data scientist salary of $124,870 is competitive within the national market. Salt Lake City offers the advantage of lower cost-of-living adjustments compared to traditional tech hubs, meaning this salary provides greater purchasing power and quality of life than equivalent positions in higher-cost metros. This makes Salt Lake City an attractive option for data scientists seeking competitive compensation without relocating to expensive coastal cities.
Is it worth moving to Salt Lake City for a data scientist position?
Salt Lake City presents a compelling case for data science professionals. The $124,870 average salary, combined with moderate cost of living, reasonable housing prices, and a lower state income tax rate, creates strong financial incentives. Additionally, the region offers quality-of-life advantages including proximity to outdoor recreation, a growing professional community, and family-friendly amenities. For professionals prioritizing both career growth and lifestyle quality, Salt Lake City’s emerging tech ecosystem makes relocation worthwhile.
What skills command the highest salaries for data scientists in Salt Lake City?
While specific skill premium data is not available in current BLS statistics, data scientists with expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), advanced statistical modeling, and big data technologies typically earn above the metropolitan average. Additionally, domain expertise in high-value sectors like finance, healthcare, and e-commerce can increase earning potential significantly.
How do data scientist salaries vary within the Salt Lake City metro area?
The Salt Lake City metropolitan statistical area (MSA 41620) encompasses multiple communities including Provo, Ogden, Sandy, and West Jordan. Salary variations may exist based on local industry concentration, company size, and cost-of-living differences between communities. Tech-focused areas like Provo may offer different compensation structures than industrial hubs like Ogden, though BLS aggregate data provides the metropolitan average across all communities.
What career advancement opportunities exist for data scientists in Salt Lake City?
Data scientists in Salt Lake City can advance to senior data scientist, analytics manager, or chief data officer positions as they gain experience. The region’s diverse economy—spanning technology, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing—provides multiple pathways for career growth and specialization. Professional development through certifications, advanced degrees, and industry conferences supports long-term salary growth and career progression.
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. Occupational Classification: SOC 15-2051 (Data Scientists). Metropolitan Statistical Area: Salt Lake City-Provo-Orem, UT (MSA Code 41620).
Last updated: April 10, 2026
Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on public sources including Bureau of Labor Statistics surveys and represents aggregate averages. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, specific role responsibilities, and market conditions. This content is informational and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Consult with career counselors or compensation specialists for personalized guidance.