Data Scientist Salary in Austin
2026 compensation data for Data Scientist positions in Austin, TX. Ranges from $86,000 (entry-level) to $238,000 (senior). Median: $146,000.
Median (Mid)
$146,000
$70.19/hr
vs National
+4%
US: $140,000
COL Index
110
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$238,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $86,000 | $99,000 | $119,000 | $47.6/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $119,000 | $146,000 | $173,000 | $70.19/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $167,000 | $200,000 | $238,000 | $96.15/hr |
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A mid-level data scientist earning $146,000 in Austin has the same buying power as $133,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 110).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Data Scientist Salaries in Austin
Data science in Austin has undergone a rapid upgrade: the city's transition from a regional tech market to a genuine national hub—with Apple, Tesla, Oracle, Google, and hundreds of venture-backed companies all expanding—has dramatically elevated both the quality and compensation of data science roles available. The median data scientist salary here reflects Austin's 110 cost-of-living index and the premium placed on practitioners who can own the full pipeline from data collection through model deployment in fast-scaling environments. Austin's data science market is opportunity-rich but pragmatism-driven: companies here want data scientists who ship production models and generate measurable business outcomes—churn models, pricing algorithms, demand forecasting—rather than exploratory researchers. The semiconductor corridor (NXP, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Dell) creates unusual demand for data scientists with process control and yield optimization expertise, a specialization that commands significant premiums. Fintech and SaaS companies (Q2 Holdings, WP Engine, Opcity) offer more traditional applied data science environments. Equity at Austin's growth-stage startups (0.05–0.3%) can be substantial, and the pre-IPO market is active. No state income tax is a genuine 5–8% take-home advantage over California. Remote flexibility is high—many Austin data science teams are hybrid or fully distributed, letting you access national-tier salaries while benefiting from Austin's cost efficiency. Negotiation angles: anchor on production model deployments, experiment design rigor, and business outcomes influenced (revenue driven, cost reduced, risk quantified). The talent pool is competitive but thinner than SF or NYC—experienced practitioners have genuine leverage.
Analyze complex datasets, build ML models, and derive business insights. This page covers data scientist compensation specifically in Austin, TX.
The median data scientist salary in Austin, TX is $146,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 4% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 110 (national average = 100), Austin offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.
Entry-level data scientists in Austin can expect to earn between $86,000 and $119,000 (about $47.6/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $238,000 ($238K annually, or about $114.42/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist Salary in Austin
What is the average Data Scientist salary in Austin?+
The average Data Scientist salary in Austin is $146,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $99,000 and senior-level pay reaches $200,000.
How much does an entry-level data scientist make in Austin?+
Entry-level data scientists in Austin earn between $86,000 and $119,000, with a median of $99,000 per year (about $47.6/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Data Scientist in Austin?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Data Scientist in Austin earns roughly $47.6/hour at entry-level, $70.19/hour at mid-level, and $96.15/hour at senior-level.
Is the Data Scientist salary in Austin higher than the US average?+
Yes — Data Scientist salaries in Austin are about 4% higher than the US national median of $140,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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