AI Data Scientist.
San Antonio.
$138,000
median salary, 9% below the national average
$105,000 to $180,000. Last updated April 2026.
Get the job.
Data points to own the conversation.
San Antonio is 9% cheaper than the national average. For AI Data Scientists, that shakes out to a median of $138,000, with the full range spanning $105,000 to $180,000. AI data scientists who combine statistical modeling with production ML deployment earn the highest salaries. Know the range before you walk in.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $124,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$90,000
to $110,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$117,000
to $145,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$152,000
to $179,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$173,000
to $214,000
Salary trend
+10% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $65,000 to the total package.
Base
$138,000
Equity
$40,000
Bonus
$17,000
Signing
$8,000
Estimated total: $203,000
How San Antonio compares
San Antonio, TX
$138,000
Cost of living: 9% below average
National Average
$152,000
San Antonio is $14,000 below
AI Data Scientist salary by city
Salary by role in San Antonio
What you should know
Here is what the AI Data Scientist market actually looks like in San Antonio. San Antonio has a major military presence with Joint Base San Antonio and a growing cybersecurity hub. The city is home to USAA headquarters and a cluster of healthcare systems. The extremely affordable cost of living and no state income tax make it attractive for professionals seeking purchasing power. AI data scientists who combine statistical modeling with production ML deployment earn the highest salaries. Industry sector matters significantly, with finance and healthcare paying 15 to 25% above retail or media. Proficiency in both Python and cloud ML platforms like SageMaker or Vertex AI is increasingly expected and adds 10 to 15% to offers.
Junior AI data scientists earn $115,000 to $135,000 with a master's degree. Mid-level scientists with 3 to 5 years reach $152,000 to $198,000. Senior data scientists earn $200,000 to $260,000, while principal scientists and directors of data science can command $280,000 to $380,000. In San Antonio, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Total compensation at tech companies includes RSUs worth 15 to 30% of base salary and annual bonuses of 10 to 20%. Financial services firms substitute higher cash bonuses of 25 to 50% in lieu of equity, making total compensation comparable. And on the tax side: texas has no state income tax. San Antonio has no city income tax. The zero tax environment and very affordable housing create exceptional purchasing power relative to most metros. When someone quotes you $138,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Leverage the cybersecurity corridor. San Antonio's NSA facility and military cyber operations drive demand for cleared security professionals at premium rates. The range for AI Data Scientists in San Antonio runs from $105,000 to $180,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A Data Engineer in San Antonio earns $137,000 (1% less)
- The highest-paying role in San Antonio is Distinguished Engineer at $303,000
Common questions.
AI Data Scientist salary in other cities
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