Home / Compare / Data Scientists vs. Software Developers Salary comparison Data Scientists vs. Software Developers: Salary Comparison (2026) Data Scientistss earn a median salary of $112,590/year, while Software Developerss earn $133,080/year - a difference of $20,490. Software Developerss earn more on average. Both salaries are based on national BLS data.
Data Scientists
Software Developers
Median salary
$112,590
$133,080
Hourly rate
$54.13/hr
$63.98/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$63,650
$79,850
Senior level (90th %)
$194,410
$211,450
Education required
Varies
Varies
U.S. employment
233,440
1,654,440
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
N/A
Category
Technology
Technology
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), BEA Regional Price Parities & HUD Fair Market Rents.
Source data is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS), Bureau of Economic Analysis (Regional Price Parities), and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (Fair Market Rents). AffordMap is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Per BLS policy, "BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov."
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