Data Scientist Salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville
Develops algorithms and models to extract insights from large datasets using statistical and ML methods.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #41 of 530 U.S. metro areas for data scientist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $9,531 above the national average.
Santa Cruz-Watsonville vs National Average
| Level | This Metro | National Avg | Difference | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level I (Entry) | $74,006 | $64,475 | +$9,531 | +14.8% |
| Level II | $99,549 | $83,505 | +$16,044 | +19.2% |
| Level III (Mid) | $125,112 | $102,534 | +$22,578 | +22.0% |
| Level IV (Senior) | $150,654 | $121,565 | +$29,089 | +23.9% |
Other metros in California
| Metro Area | Level I | Level IV | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara | $123,531 | $275,850 | $225,597 |
| Merced | $117,104 | $271,627 | $220,626 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont | $103,522 | $194,834 | $164,694 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura | $77,917 | $185,806 | $150,197 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad | $74,526 | $159,099 | $131,186 |
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What is the average data scientist salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
The average data scientist salary in Santa Cruz-Watsonville is $125,362 per year, based on U.S. Department of Labor employer survey data. This places Santa Cruz-Watsonville at rank #41 out of 530 U.S. metro areas surveyed.
What do entry-level data scientists earn in Santa Cruz-Watsonville?
Entry-level data scientists (Level I) in Santa Cruz-Watsonville earn $74,006 per year. Level II (early career) earns $99,549, reflecting growing independence and experience.
How does Santa Cruz-Watsonville compare to the national average for data scientist salaries?
Santa Cruz-Watsonville ranks #41 of 530 U.S. metro areas for data scientist pay. Entry-level salaries here are $9,531 above the national average. The national average data scientist salary is $102,724, while Santa Cruz-Watsonville workers average $125,362 — a difference of +22% overall.
Data source: Salary data sourced from the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, which surveys employers nationwide to collect wage data by occupation and geography. The four experience levels reflect DOL standardized tiers. Data reflects the most recently published survey cycle. SOC code: 15-2051.