Data Scientist Salary in St. Louis 2026
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Data Scientist Salary in St. Louis: Full Breakdown
Based on the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data from 2024, the St. Louis metropolitan area shows a mean annual salary of $98,640 for data scientists. This figure reflects compensation across the broader St. Louis MSA, which includes surrounding communities such as Clayton, Chesterfield, O’Fallon, and St. Charles.
The $98,640 mean salary indicates that St. Louis offers competitive compensation for data science professionals, though it’s important to note that actual salaries vary significantly based on experience level, employer size, industry sector, and specific technical skills. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior data scientists and those with specialized expertise in machine learning, cloud platforms, or industry-specific applications may earn substantially more.
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Learn More →Cost of Living Context
Understanding St. Louis’s cost of living is essential for evaluating whether the $98,640 data scientist salary provides competitive purchasing power. The St. Louis metropolitan area is known for a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major tech hubs like San Francisco, New York, or Boston, which can make the local salary more attractive in real terms.
Data scientists considering relocation to St. Louis should factor in housing costs, transportation, and general living expenses. The region’s affordability advantage means that a $98,640 salary in St. Louis provides greater financial flexibility than the same nominal amount would in higher-cost markets. This is a significant consideration for professionals evaluating job offers or career moves.
Historical Salary Trend
The most recent BLS data point available is from 2024, showing a mean annual salary of $98,640 for data scientists in St. Louis. Tracking salary trends over time helps professionals understand whether compensation is growing, stagnating, or declining in their chosen field and location. The data science field nationally has experienced strong growth over the past several years due to increased demand for analytics, artificial intelligence, and data-driven decision-making across industries.
Industry and Employer Considerations
Data scientist salaries in St. Louis vary by industry sector and employer size. The region hosts companies across financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and professional services sectors—all of which employ data scientists. Larger corporations and established tech firms typically offer higher salaries than startups or smaller organizations, though startups may offer equity compensation that could provide additional upside.
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Learn More →Job Outlook for Data Scientists
The data science field continues to experience strong demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations in the mathematical and computer science field (which includes data scientists under SOC code 15-2051) are projected to grow faster than average over the coming decade. This growth is driven by:
- Increasing reliance on data analytics for business decision-making
- Expansion of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications
- Growth in cloud computing and big data technologies
- Rising demand across healthcare, finance, and e-commerce sectors
St. Louis, with its diverse economic base and growing tech sector, is well-positioned to benefit from this trend. Professionals entering or advancing in data science careers can expect sustained demand for their skills.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for a data scientist in St. Louis?
Entry-level data scientists in St. Louis typically earn less than the $98,640 mean salary, though the exact starting salary depends on education, certifications, and specific role requirements. Most entry-level positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related field, with some employers preferring candidates who hold a master’s degree or possess relevant internship experience. Starting salaries for entry-level data scientists generally range from $60,000 to $80,000, but this can vary based on the employer and industry.
How does data scientist salary in St. Louis compare to the national average?
The $98,640 mean salary for data scientists in St. Louis (2024, BLS OEWS) provides a useful benchmark for evaluating local compensation. St. Louis is generally considered more affordable than major tech centers, which affects both salary levels and cost-of-living adjusted purchasing power. Data science salaries nationally tend to be higher in major metropolitan areas like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York, but the lower cost of living in St. Louis can make local salaries more attractive in real terms.
Is it worth moving to St. Louis for a data scientist position?
The decision to relocate depends on multiple factors beyond salary, including cost of living, career growth opportunities, company reputation, and personal preferences. St. Louis offers a lower cost of living than many major tech hubs, which means the $98,640 salary provides strong purchasing power. The region has a growing tech sector and diverse industries that employ data scientists, including financial services companies, healthcare organizations, and manufacturing firms. For professionals prioritizing affordability and work-life balance, St. Louis can be an attractive option.
What skills command higher salaries for data scientists in St. Louis?
Data scientists with expertise in specialized areas typically earn above the $98,640 mean. High-demand skills include machine learning engineering, cloud platform expertise (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), advanced statistical modeling, software engineering practices, and domain knowledge in high-value industries like finance or healthcare. Additionally, professionals with strong communication skills who can translate technical findings for business stakeholders often command premium compensation.
What industries employ the most data scientists in St. Louis?
St. Louis has a diverse economy with data science opportunities across multiple sectors. The region’s financial services industry, healthcare organizations, manufacturing companies, and professional services firms all employ data scientists. The specific industry can significantly impact salary levels, with financial services and technology companies typically offering higher compensation than other sectors.
How does experience level affect data scientist salaries in St. Louis?
The $98,640 mean salary represents an average across all experience levels. Mid-career data scientists (typically 5-10 years of experience) often earn 20-40% above entry-level salaries, while senior data scientists and those in leadership roles can earn substantially more. Professionals with 10+ years of experience, advanced degrees, or specialized expertise may command salaries well above the mean, particularly in larger organizations or competitive industries.
Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, 2024 (SOC code 15-2051, MSA code 41180). This article is informational and based on publicly available salary data. Actual compensation varies based on individual qualifications, employer, industry, and market conditions. Last updated: April 10, 2026.