Data Scientist Salary in Seattle 2026

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Seattle: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, Seattle’s data scientist market commands competitive compensation reflecting the region’s concentration of major technology employers. The $163,640 annual mean salary (SOC code 15-2051) underscores Seattle’s position as one of the nation’s premier data science employment centers.

Data Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024 survey year.

The Seattle metropolitan area (MSA code 42660) encompasses not only Seattle proper but also adjacent high-tech employment centers including Bellevue, Redmond, Kirkland, Tacoma, and Everett—all contributing to the region’s robust data science job market.

Experience and Career Progression

Data scientist compensation in Seattle varies significantly by experience level. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior practitioners and those with specialized expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), or domain-specific applications command premium compensation.

The Seattle market rewards:

• Advanced degrees: M.S. or Ph.D. in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or related fields
• Technical specialization: Deep learning, NLP, computer vision, time-series forecasting
• Cloud platform expertise: Proficiency with major cloud providers’ data services
• Industry experience: Background in fintech, healthcare, e-commerce, or other high-value sectors

Cost of Living Context

Seattle’s cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating the $163,640 salary figure. The region ranks among the highest-cost areas in the United States, driven by:

• Housing costs: Seattle’s real estate market has appreciated significantly, with median home prices reflecting strong regional demand
• Rental market: The greater Seattle area experiences competitive rental pricing, particularly in neighborhoods near major tech employers
• Taxes: Washington State has no income tax, a significant advantage for high earners compared to California and other major tech hubs

Practical consideration: The $163,640 annual salary translates to approximately $13,637 monthly gross income (before taxes and deductions). Cost-of-living analysis is essential for determining actual purchasing power and quality of life when considering relocation to Seattle.

Regional Employment Landscape

The Seattle metropolitan area hosts major data science employers across multiple sectors:

• Cloud computing and software: Amazon Web Services, Microsoft, Google Cloud operations
• E-commerce and retail: Amazon headquarters and subsidiaries
• Enterprise software: Tableau (acquired by Salesforce), Zillow, T-Mobile
• Healthcare and biotech: UW Medicine, Swedish Medical Center, biotech firms
• Aerospace and manufacturing: Boeing, precision manufacturing companies

Job Outlook and Growth Trends

Data science roles continue to expand across industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects strong demand for data-focused occupations through 2034, driven by:

• AI and machine learning adoption: Increasing enterprise investment in predictive analytics and automation
• Big data infrastructure: Growth in cloud computing and distributed data systems
• Regulatory compliance: Demand for data expertise in privacy, security, and governance roles
• Industry digitization: Traditional sectors accelerating digital transformation initiatives

Seattle’s tech-forward economy positions the region favorably for sustained data science job growth.

Nearby Cities and Metro Comparison

The greater Seattle metropolitan area includes several high-value employment centers:

• Bellevue: Major tech employer hub, comparable or higher salaries than Seattle proper
• Redmond: Microsoft headquarters, strong data science and cloud engineering demand
• Kirkland: Growing tech corridor with competitive compensation
• Tacoma: More affordable alternative with emerging tech sector
• Everett: Boeing operations, aerospace data science opportunities

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientist positions in Seattle typically start between $120,000 and $140,000 annually for candidates with bachelor’s degrees and relevant internship experience. Those with master’s degrees or specialized skills may command higher entry offers. The $163,640 mean reflects experienced professionals; entry-level positions fall below this average.

How does Seattle’s data scientist salary compare to other major tech hubs?

Seattle’s $163,640 average is competitive with other premier tech markets. The region benefits from Washington State’s lack of income tax, which provides effective purchasing power advantages over California’s Bay Area (which has 13.3% state income tax) despite similar or higher nominal salaries in some Bay Area positions. Cost-of-living adjustments are essential for accurate comparison.

Is it worth relocating to Seattle for a data scientist position?

Relocation decisions depend on individual circumstances. Seattle offers strong salary growth potential, no state income tax, and proximity to major technology employers. However, high housing costs and competitive rental markets require careful financial planning. Candidates should compare total compensation packages (including equity, bonuses, and benefits) against cost-of-living data for their current location. For those in lower-cost regions, relocation may not provide proportional quality-of-life improvement despite higher nominal salaries.

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

Data scientists with expertise in machine learning engineering, cloud platform architecture (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), and specialized domains (financial modeling, healthcare analytics, recommendation systems) typically earn above-average compensation. Advanced degrees and published research experience also correlate with higher salaries in Seattle’s competitive market.

How often do data scientist salaries increase in Seattle?

Annual salary growth for data scientists typically ranges from 3-8% for promotions and role transitions. Market-driven increases occur when changing employers or negotiating renewed offers. The tech industry’s competitive talent market means strong performers can achieve above-average raises through strategic job transitions.

What is the typical career progression for a data scientist in Seattle?

Common progression paths include: Junior Data Scientist → Data Scientist → Senior Data Scientist → Staff/Principal Data Scientist or Data Science Manager. Salary increases typically accompany each transition, with principal-level roles and management positions commanding significantly higher compensation than the $163,640 average.

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Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024 survey year. SOC Code 15-2051 (Data Scientists and Mathematical Science Occupations).

Disclaimer: This article presents salary data based on public sources including the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Actual compensation varies by employer, individual qualifications, negotiation outcomes, and specific role responsibilities. This information is provided for research and educational purposes and should not be construed as financial or career advice. Consult with career professionals and conduct independent research before making employment or relocation decisions.

Last updated: April 10, 2026