Data Scientist Salary in California
Based on 39K+ workers in California
Median Annual Salary (CA)
$141,590
$68.072/hr
vs National Average
$107,281
+32.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $225K
39K employed in California
Data Scientist salary in California is notably competitive, with a median annual compensation of $189,075. This reflects the state's prominent tech industry and high cost of living. California data scientists earn approximately 41% above the national average, making it one of the most lucrative markets for this profession. Currently, around 431 data scientists are employed throughout the state.
Several factors influence earning potential for data scientists in California, including years of experience, technical skills, industry sector, and company size. Professionals working for major tech companies or in specialized fields like machine learning often command higher salaries. Geographic location within California also plays a role, as positions in Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay Area typically offer premium compensation compared to other regions.
Salary Distribution — Data Scientist in California
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,480 |
| 25th percentile | $103,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $141,590 |
| 75th percentile | $186,820 |
| 90th percentile | $224,920 |
Top H-1B Employers for Data Scientist in California
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in California — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adobe Inc. | 77 | $179,406 |
| 2 | Meta Platforms, Inc | 73 | $194,834 |
| 3 | Apple Inc. | 71 | $174,304 |
| 4 | Google LLC | 62 | $201,150 |
| 5 | LINKEDIN CORPORATION | 58 | $185,112 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Historical Salary Trend — Data Scientist in California vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,810 |
| 2023 | $133,690 |
| 2024 | $136,800 |
| 2025 | $141,590 |
| Year | California Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,810 | $98,212 |
| 2023 | $133,690 | $104,916 |
| 2024 | $136,800 | $105,473 |
| 2025 | $141,590 | $107,281 |
Data Scientist Salary by Experience Level in California
Data Scientist Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do data scientists make in California?
- Data scientists in California earn a median salary of $189,075 per year, or approximately $91 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 40.6% premium for working in the state.
What is the salary range for data scientists in California?
- The salary range for data scientists in California extends up to $212,955 per year at the high end. This upper range represents the top earners in the state's data science job market.
Is data scientist salary in California higher than the national average?
- Yes, California data scientists earn 40.6% more than the national average. The state's median salary of $189,075 per year reflects California's higher cost of living and competitive tech market.
How many data scientists are employed in California?
- There are approximately 431 data scientists employed in California based on current data. This reflects the demand for data science talent in the state's major tech hubs.