Data Scientist Salary in San Antonio 2025
Quick Answer
Data Scientist Salary in San Antonio: Full Breakdown
As of 2024, the San Antonio metropolitan statistical area (MSA code 41700) offers competitive compensation for data scientists. The annual mean salary of $113,290 reflects demand for analytics and data-driven decision-making across the region’s diverse economy—from healthcare and military contracting to technology and finance sectors.
For context, data scientists in San Antonio work across industries including:
- Healthcare systems and medical research institutions
- Defense and aerospace contractors
- Financial services and banking
- Technology and software development companies
- Government and federal agencies
The salary figure cited here comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employer payroll records across the United States. This is the most authoritative source for occupational wage data and is updated annually.
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Learn More →Cost of Living Context
Understanding San Antonio’s cost of living is essential for evaluating whether the $113,290 salary meets your financial needs. San Antonio is generally considered more affordable than major tech hubs like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York, which can make this salary more competitive in terms of purchasing power.
Key cost-of-living factors in San Antonio include:
- Housing affordability: San Antonio has lower median home prices and rental costs compared to national tech centers
- No state income tax: Texas has no state income tax, meaning more of your gross salary remains in your pocket compared to states like California or New York
- Lower overall expenses: Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are typically below national averages
The absence of state income tax is a significant advantage for data scientists in Texas. On a $113,290 salary, you avoid the 5-13% state income tax burden that professionals in other states face, effectively increasing your take-home pay.
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Learn More →Job Market and Outlook
Data scientist positions in San Antonio are part of the broader tech and analytics job market. The role (SOC code 15-2051) encompasses professionals who design and develop databases, data collection systems, and analytics platforms. These positions are increasingly critical as organizations across all sectors prioritize data-driven decision-making.
San Antonio’s economy includes several sectors with strong demand for data science talent:
- Healthcare: Major medical centers and health systems require data scientists for clinical analytics and operational efficiency
- Defense and aerospace: San Antonio’s proximity to military installations and defense contractors creates demand for security-cleared data professionals
- Financial services: Growing fintech and banking presence in Texas
- Government: Federal and state agencies increasingly hire data scientists for policy analysis and public administration
Nearby Areas in the San Antonio Metro
The San Antonio MSA extends beyond the city proper to include several surrounding communities where data scientist positions may be available:
- New Braunfels: Located northeast of San Antonio, offering a smaller-town lifestyle while remaining within commuting distance
- San Marcos: Home to Texas State University, with growing tech and education sectors
- Schertz: A suburban community north of San Antonio with mixed residential and commercial development
These nearby areas may offer different cost-of-living profiles while maintaining access to San Antonio’s job market.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a data scientist in San Antonio?
Entry-level data scientist positions in San Antonio typically start below the $113,290 average, often in the $80,000–$95,000 range depending on education, certifications, and prior experience. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, statistics, or related fields are most competitive. Advanced degrees (master’s or PhD) and relevant certifications (such as cloud platform certifications from AWS, Google, or Azure) can support higher starting offers.
How does San Antonio’s data scientist salary compare to other Texas cities?
San Antonio is a major metropolitan area with significant tech and healthcare sectors, making it competitive within Texas. However, cities like Austin and Dallas may offer higher average salaries due to their larger tech ecosystems. San Antonio’s advantage lies in lower cost of living and no state income tax, which can result in better overall financial outcomes despite potentially lower nominal salaries.
Is it worth relocating to San Antonio as a data scientist?
San Antonio presents a compelling case for relocation, particularly for professionals prioritizing quality of life and cost of living. The $113,290 average salary, combined with Texas’s lack of state income tax and relatively affordable housing, results in strong purchasing power. Additionally, San Antonio offers cultural amenities, a growing tech community, and proximity to other Texas tech hubs. For remote workers, the lower cost of living may allow for greater financial flexibility and savings.
What skills command higher salaries for data scientists in San Antonio?
Data scientists with expertise in cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), and specialized domains (healthcare analytics, defense systems) typically earn above the average. Additionally, experience with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) and proficiency in multiple programming languages (Python, R, SQL, Scala) strengthen negotiating positions.
What education do data scientists in San Antonio typically have?
Most data scientist positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in data science, computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related quantitative field. Many employers prefer or require a master’s degree in data science, statistics, or business analytics. Advanced degrees and relevant certifications (Google Cloud Certified Data Engineer, AWS Certified Machine Learning) can lead to higher compensation.
Are there remote work opportunities for data scientists in San Antonio?
Yes, the data science field has strong remote work adoption. Many San Antonio-based companies and national/international firms hire remote data scientists. This flexibility allows professionals to live in San Antonio while working for higher-paying markets, effectively increasing their real compensation through cost-of-living arbitrage.
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. Occupational classification: SOC 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations, All Other).
Last updated: April 10, 2025
Disclaimer: This article presents salary data from public sources and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual compensation varies based on employer, experience, education, location within the metro area, and individual negotiation. This is not financial or career advice. Consult with a career counselor or recruiter for personalized guidance.