Salary for Senior-level / Expert Data Scientist in United States during 2024

Salary details

The average senior-level / expert Data Scientist salary lies between USD 119,800 and USD 259,000 in the United States. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

Region represents the primary country of residence of an employee during the year (or residence for tax purposes). All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Dec. 22, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Senior-level / Expert Data Scientist roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with senior-level / expert Data Scientist job listings are Machine Learning, Python and Cloud. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Machine Learning | 33 jobs Python | 33 jobs Cloud | 26 jobs AWS | 23 jobs SQL | 22 jobs Analytics | 18 jobs Mathematics | 15 jobs Computer Science | 14 jobs Artificial Intelligence | 13 jobs C | 12 jobs GCP | 12 jobs Big Data | 11 jobs Azure | 11 jobs PhD | 10 jobs Threat detection | 9 jobs Splunk | 9 jobs Clearance | 9 jobs SIEM | 8 jobs Automation | 8 jobs Java | 8 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Senior-level / Expert Data Scientist roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with senior-level / expert Data Scientist job listings are Career development, Health care and Competitive pay. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 37 jobs Health care | 21 jobs Competitive pay | 17 jobs Flex hours | 14 jobs Team events | 13 jobs Insurance | 13 jobs Equity / stock options | 12 jobs Medical leave | 12 jobs Parental leave | 10 jobs Flex vacation | 10 jobs Salary bonus | 9 jobs Wellness | 7 jobs 401(k) matching | 6 jobs Startup environment | 5 jobs Home office stipend | 1 jobs Unlimited paid time off | 1 jobs Flexible spending account | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

In the United States, the salary composition for a Senior-level/Expert Data Scientist in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically includes a combination of a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The base salary often constitutes the majority of the total compensation package, ranging from 70% to 85%. Performance bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company’s performance and individual achievements, usually accounting for 10% to 20% of the total compensation. Additional remuneration, such as stock options, profit-sharing, or other incentives, can make up the remaining 5% to 10%.

Regional differences can also impact salary composition. For instance, positions in tech hubs like Silicon Valley or New York City may offer higher base salaries and more substantial stock options due to the higher cost of living and competitive job market. Industry and company size also play a role; larger tech companies or financial institutions might offer more lucrative bonuses and stock options compared to smaller firms or non-tech industries.

Increasing Salary Further

To increase your salary further from a Senior-level/Expert Data Scientist position, consider the following strategies:

• Specialization: Develop expertise in niche areas of InfoSec/Cyber Security, such as threat intelligence, blockchain security, or AI-driven security solutions. Specialized skills can command higher salaries.
• Leadership Roles: Transition into leadership or managerial roles, such as a Chief Data Scientist or Director of Cyber Security, which typically offer higher compensation.
• Consulting: Consider moving into consulting roles, where you can leverage your expertise to advise multiple organizations, often at a premium rate.
• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest technologies and methodologies in data science and cyber security. Advanced certifications or a Ph.D. in a relevant field can also enhance your earning potential.
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and industry conferences to increase your visibility and open up opportunities for higher-paying roles.

Educational Requirements

Most Senior-level/Expert Data Scientist positions in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a master’s degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Cyber Security, or a related discipline. A Ph.D. can be advantageous, especially for roles that involve research or advanced technical challenges. Strong foundational knowledge in statistics, machine learning, and programming is essential, along with a deep understanding of cyber security principles.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your credentials and demonstrate your expertise to potential employers. Some common and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC)
• Certified Data Scientist (CDS)
• AWS Certified Security – Specialty (for cloud security roles)

These certifications validate your skills and knowledge in specific areas of cyber security and data science, making you a more attractive candidate for senior roles.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a Senior-level/Expert Data Scientist in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have at least 7 to 10 years of relevant experience. This experience should include a strong background in data science, with a focus on applying these skills to cyber security challenges. Experience in leading projects, managing teams, and developing security strategies is also highly valued. Practical experience with security tools, data analysis platforms, and programming languages like Python or R is essential.

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