Data Scientists Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
The median pay for a data scientists in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $135,190/year ($65/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $85K at the entry level to $209K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 108.88), so that salary is closer to $124,164 in real purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $2,246/month, or 28.1% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $135K get you in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
About data scientists
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
Entry-level data scientists (10th percentile) start around $85K. Mid-career wages sit at $135K.Top earners bring in $209K or more - a $124K spread from bottom to top.
Data Scientists pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $159K | +41% | 7,930 |
| District of Columbia | $137K | +22% | 3,580 |
| California | $137K | +22% | 36,850 |
| Massachusetts | $132K | +17% | 9,990 |
| New Jersey | $130K | +16% | 5,860 |
| Virginia | $126K | +12% | 6,200 |
| New York | $125K | +11% | 20,070 |
| Maryland | $124K | +10% | 3,400 |
| Hawaii | $124K | +10% | 240 |
| Vermont | $121K | +7% | 210 |
| Minnesota | $118K | +5% | 3,500 |
| Utah | $116K | +3% | 4,830 |
| North Carolina | $115K | +2% | 10,140 |
| Rhode Island | $114K | +2% | 1,190 |
| Illinois | $113K | +1% | 7,390 |
Track data scientists salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Washington-Arlington-Alexandria numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do data scientists make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?
The median is $135,190 a year - that works out to about $65 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $84,780, and experienced data scientists can clear $208,600. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $135K enough to live in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $7,875/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $2,246/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 28.5% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a data scientists salary go in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria?
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria has a Regional Price Parity of 108.88 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median data scientists salary is worth about $124,164 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do data scientists get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.