Data Scientist Salary in Raleigh, North Carolina
The median data scientist salary in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh: What to Expect (2026)
Raleigh 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, Raleigh pays above average for this role.
Raleigh'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 Raleigh 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. With a population of 467,665, Raleigh is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Data Scientist Salary in Raleigh by Experience
In Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC
| Percentile | Raleigh |
|---|---|
| 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 Raleigh
Education
Most data scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Raleigh 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 Raleigh may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Data Scientist Jobs in Raleigh
Browse open data scientist positions in Raleigh, NC: