Data Scientist Salary in Charlotte, North Carolina
The median data scientist salary in Charlotte, NC is $110,180 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the North Carolina state average.
Data Scientist Pay in Charlotte: What to Expect (2026)
Charlotte offers a median data scientist salary of $110,180, which is $6,481 above the North Carolina state average of $103,699. Compared to the national median of $108,020, Charlotte pays above average for this role.
Charlotte's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for data scientists in Charlotte spans from $62,628 at the 10th percentile to $181,764 at the 90th percentile — a $119,136 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,440, while senior data scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $168,300. As a major metro area with a population of 874,579, Charlotte typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
Data Scientist Salary in Charlotte by Experience
In Charlotte, an entry-level data scientist earns around $73,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $168,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Charlotte, NC
| Percentile | Charlotte |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $62,628 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,884 |
| Median (50th) | $110,180 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,820 |
| 90th Percentile | $181,764 |
Data Scientist Salary in Other North Carolina Cities
How to Become a Data Scientist in Charlotte
Education
Most data scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Charlotte may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Scientist Jobs in Charlotte
Browse open data scientist positions in Charlotte, NC: