Data Scientist Salary in Tampa 2025

Quick Answer

Data Scientist Salary in Tampa: Full Breakdown

As of 2024, data scientists in Tampa earn a mean annual salary of $117,400, according to the most recent BLS OEWS data. This figure reflects the Tampa metropolitan area, which includes surrounding communities like St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, and Lakeland.

The $117,400 average positions Tampa competitively within the Southeast region, though specific percentile breakdowns (10th, 25th, median, 75th, and 90th percentile) are not available in the current dataset. However, this mean salary provides a solid baseline for understanding compensation in the local market.

Data scientists in Tampa work across diverse industries, including healthcare systems, financial services, technology startups, and large corporations with regional headquarters. The role typically involves building predictive models, analyzing large datasets, developing machine learning algorithms, and providing data-driven insights to drive business decisions.

Cost of Living Context

Understanding salary in isolation can be misleading. Tampa’s cost of living plays a significant role in determining actual purchasing power. The Tampa metropolitan area offers a moderate cost-of-living profile compared to major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, which means the $117,400 salary stretches further in Tampa than it would in higher-cost regions.

For context, Tampa’s cost of living is generally lower than the national average for major metropolitan areas, making the data scientist salary here particularly attractive for professionals seeking to maximize their income relative to expenses. Housing costs, transportation, and general expenses in Tampa are reasonable compared to coastal tech centers, though the area has experienced growth in recent years.

Job Outlook for Data Scientists in Tampa

The demand for data science talent continues to grow nationally and regionally. Data scientists are increasingly essential across industries as organizations recognize the value of data-driven decision-making. The Tampa market, with its diverse economic base spanning healthcare, finance, tourism, and technology, offers multiple pathways for data science professionals.

The broader occupational category (15-2051, Computer and Information Research Scientists, which includes data scientists) reflects strong long-term employment trends. Organizations in Tampa are investing in analytics capabilities, business intelligence, and AI/machine learning initiatives, creating sustained demand for skilled data scientists.

Nearby Cities in the Tampa Metropolitan Area

The Tampa MSA encompasses several communities where data scientists may find employment:

• St. Petersburg: Part of the same metropolitan area; similar salary and cost-of-living profiles
• Clearwater: Coastal community within the metro; growing tech sector
• Brandon: Suburban area with corporate presence
• Lakeland: Inland city with diverse employer base

Professionals in the Tampa area may find opportunities across this broader metro region without significant relocation costs.

Career Advancement and Specialization

Data scientists in Tampa can advance into senior data scientist roles, data engineering positions, analytics management, or specialized areas such as machine learning engineering. The $117,400 baseline salary reflects mid-career positions; senior roles and those requiring specialized expertise (deep learning, NLP, computer vision) typically command higher compensation.

Entry-level data scientist positions in Tampa typically offer lower salaries, while those with advanced degrees (Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, or Computer Science) and proven experience can negotiate above the mean. Certifications in cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and proficiency in in-demand tools (Python, R, SQL, Spark) enhance earning potential.

Skills and Education Requirements

Most data scientist positions in Tampa require at least a bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field—computer science, mathematics, statistics, physics, or engineering. Many employers prefer a master’s degree or equivalent professional experience. Technical proficiency in programming languages (Python, R), statistical analysis, SQL, and data visualization tools is essential.

The competitive Tampa market rewards candidates with portfolio projects, demonstrated machine learning experience, and domain expertise relevant to local industries (healthcare analytics, financial modeling, tourism/hospitality analytics).

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Entry-level data scientist positions in Tampa typically start below the $117,400 mean, often in the $80,000–$95,000 range depending on education level, internship experience, and specific skill set. Recent graduates with a bachelor’s degree may start at the lower end, while those with a master’s degree or relevant internship experience can command higher entry-level offers. Candidates should research specific employers and roles to negotiate competitive starting packages.

How does the Tampa data scientist salary compare to other Florida cities?

Tampa’s $117,400 mean salary positions it competitively within Florida’s job market. Miami and the broader South Florida region, with larger finance and technology sectors, may offer slightly higher average salaries, while smaller Florida cities typically offer less. The Tampa metropolitan area’s diverse economy—spanning healthcare, finance, technology, and tourism—creates multiple pathways for data scientists and supports competitive compensation.

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

Relocating to Tampa for a data scientist role depends on your current location and cost-of-living situation. If you’re coming from a high-cost area (San Francisco, New York, Boston), the $117,400 salary may represent a significant increase in purchasing power due to lower housing and living costs. Tampa offers reasonable quality of life, a growing job market, and competitive salaries without the extreme cost-of-living burden of major tech hubs. However, if you’re relocating from a lower-cost region, carefully compare housing, taxes, and overall expenses before deciding.

What industries in Tampa hire the most data scientists?

Tampa’s diverse economy supports data scientist roles across healthcare (hospitals and insurance companies), financial services, technology companies, tourism and hospitality, and corporate headquarters. The region’s healthcare sector is particularly robust, creating strong demand for data scientists in clinical analytics, operations optimization, and patient outcomes research. This diversity means data scientists have multiple industry options without leaving the area.

How can I increase my data scientist salary in Tampa?

Increase earning potential by pursuing advanced degrees (Master’s in Data Science or related field), obtaining cloud certifications (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure), building a strong portfolio of machine learning projects, and specializing in high-demand areas like deep learning, natural language processing, or computer vision. Moving into senior or lead data scientist roles, transitioning to data engineering, or specializing in domain expertise relevant to Tampa’s industries (healthcare analytics, fintech) can also lead to higher compensation. Regularly updating skills in emerging tools and methodologies keeps you competitive in the job market.

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Data source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024. SOC code 15-2051.

Last updated: April 10, 2026

Disclaimer: Salary data presented here is based on public sources and aggregated information. Actual compensation varies based on employer, experience, education, location within the metro area, and individual negotiation. This content is informational and should not be considered financial or career advice. Always verify current salary data with current job postings and industry resources.