Head of Data Science Salary.
Across 81 U.S. cities.
$235,000
national median salary
$183,000 to $306,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$328,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$245,000
Miami, FL
Lowest Paying
$180,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026. Baseline derived from BLS SOC 15-2051. Full methodology.
The average Head of Data Science salary in the United States is $235,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $183,000 at the 25th percentile to $306,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $328,000, while Miami offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Head of Data Science compensation scales with team size under management, scope of organizational responsibility, and track record of hiring and retaining talent.
Head of Data Science salary by city
Skills that increase Head of Data Science pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Head of Data Sciences based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $32,900 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$32,900 per year
≈ +$30,550 per year
≈ +$28,200 per year
≈ +$25,850 per year
≈ +$25,850 per year
≈ +$23,500 per year
≈ +$23,500 per year
≈ +$21,150 per year
What you should know
Head of Data Science compensation scales with team size under management, scope of organizational responsibility, and track record of hiring and retaining talent. Equity is a major component at roughly 28% of base — candidates should weight stock grants as heavily as salary when comparing offers. Within tech-sector Head of Data Sciences specifically, employer tier (FAANG and frontier-AI labs vs mid-stage startups vs traditional enterprise) drives 67%+ variance across the compensation band.
Head of Data Sciences at tech companies progress Manager → Senior Manager → Director → Senior Director → VP Engineering/Product over 10 to 15 years. The IC↔management crossover is common in both directions at the mid levels; above Senior Director, crossing back is rare. For Head of Data Sciences specifically, the seniority anchor means roughly 12+ years of experience and demonstrated P&L or strategic leadership.
Total compensation for Head of Data Sciences runs roughly $355K at median when factoring base + equity (28% of base annually) + bonus (18% of base). Equity is the single largest non-base component — candidates should model vesting schedules (typically 4-year with 1-year cliff) and compare grant values across offers carefully. At tech companies specifically, equity and sign-on are often the largest delta between offers — two roles with matching base can differ by $100K+ at total when equity is included.
Total compensation breakdown
Salary by company size
Remote salary adjustment
Remote Head of Data Sciences typically earn $223,000 (5% less than on-site). This reflects location-adjusted pay policies at companies using geographic salary bands. Some companies pay flat national rates regardless of location.
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