How to Become a Data Scientists in California
Data Scientists in California earn a median salary of $136,800/year, which is 22% above the national average. California has a state income tax of ~6.5%. After taxes and rent, a data scientists takes home approximately $6,538/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.
What a data scientists can afford in California
Becoming a data scientists in California
Meet education requirements
Data Scientists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across California. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
Many data scientists positions in California require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain California licensure or certification
California may require specific licensing or professional certification for data scientistss. Requirements vary by state — contact the California Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in California
California employs 36,850 data scientists. The highest concentrations are in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara and San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont.
Data Scientists salary by metro area in California
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $173K | $83.25/hr | 6,570 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $166K | $79.95/hr | 9,350 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $129K | $62.19/hr | 480 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $127K | $61.15/hr | 2,550 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles | $125K | $60.22/hr | 60 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim | $124K | $59.75/hr | 10,030 |
| Vallejo | $118K | $56.82/hr | 70 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville | $116K | $56/hr | 110 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara | $113K | $54.52/hr | 200 |
| Stockton-Lodi | $113K | $54.43/hr | 100 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma | $112K | $53.63/hr | 110 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario | $106K | $50.77/hr | 840 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom | $98K | $47.34/hr | 2,510 |
| Salinas | $96K | $46.37/hr | 50 |
| Redding | $94K | $45.27/hr | 40 |
Data Scientists salary range in California
Data Scientists careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a data scientists make in California?▼
The median data scientists salary in California is $136,800 per year ($65.77/hr). This is 22% above the national median of $112,590. Salaries range from $73,390 to $221,080.
What are the requirements to become a data scientists in California?▼
Data Scientists positions in California typically require Bachelor's degree. California may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the California licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a data scientists afford to live in California?▼
At the median salary of $136,800, a data scientists in California would take home approximately $7,950/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 17.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for data scientists in California?▼
The highest paying metro areas for data scientists in California are San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara ($173,160), San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont ($166,300), Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura ($129,360). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does California have state income tax for data scientists?▼
Yes, California has a state income tax rate of approximately 6.5%. On a $136,800 salary, this means roughly $8,860/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.