Technology Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

Data Scientist Salary in Massachusetts

The median data scientist salary in Massachusetts is $156,629 per year, which is 45.0% above the national median of $108,020.

Median Salary
$156,629
vs National
+$48,609
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

Data Scientist Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for data scientist compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for data scientists seeking high pay. At $156,629 per year, data scientists in Massachusetts earn $48,609 more than the national median of $108,020.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $156,629 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $116,021.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: data scientists at the 10th percentile earn $89,030, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $258,390 — a $169,360 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $183,634.

Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Massachusetts and beyond.

Data Scientist Salary in Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level data scientist earns around $104,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $239,250 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$104,400
+$32,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$162,400
+$50,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$239,250
+$74,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $89,030
25th Percentile $122,090
Median (50th) $156,629
75th Percentile $204,450
90th Percentile $258,390

Data Scientist Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for data scientists in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Data Scientist in Massachusetts

Education

Most data scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Massachusetts has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PythonRSQLMachine LearningStatisticsData Visualization

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). Massachusetts's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a Data Scientist make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median data scientist salary in Massachusetts is $156,629 per year, which is 45.0% above the national median of $108,020. Salaries range from $89,030 (10th percentile) to $258,390 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Scientist make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $156,629, a data scientist in Massachusetts earns approximately $75 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for data scientists? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for data scientist pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level data scientists earn $104,400, while senior professionals earn $239,250.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for data scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for data scientists is Hawaii at $178,233. Massachusetts's median of $156,629 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($178,233) and California ($165,271).
What is the entry-level data scientist salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level data scientist in Massachusetts earns approximately $104,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $162,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $239,250.
What city in Massachusetts pays data scientists the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for data scientists, with a median salary of $183,634. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.