Data Scientists Salary in New York, NY-NJ

In New York and New Jersey, data scientists earn a median annual salary of $130,710, which is significantly higher than the national median of $112,590. This elevated earning potential reflects the high demand for skilled professionals in this field within the region. Compared to the local median household income of $97,334, data scientists' earnings are substantially above average, highlighting their financial advantage relative to other occupations in the area. The employment landscape for data scientists is robust, with an estimated 19,810 individuals employed as of May 2025 and a relatively low unemployment rate of 4.50%, suggesting strong job security.

The salary structure for data scientists shows a clear distinction between entry-level and experienced workers, driven by factors such as expertise, project complexity, and industry demand. Entry-level positions tend to align with the lower percentiles, where salaries start around $73,920 (10th percentile), whereas more experienced professionals can earn up to or exceeding $169,420 at the 75th percentile, with top earners reaching $213,130 at the 90th percentile. This variance is largely attributed to the increasing value of advanced analytical skills, proficiency in specialized software, and the ability to manage large datasets, all of which are essential as data science roles evolve. Furthermore, experience often correlates with leadership responsibilities or specialization in high-demand areas such as machine learning or artificial intelligence, further driving salary differences.