Senior Data Scientist (AI-Specialized) Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$185,000
national median salary
$140,000 to $240,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$260,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$193,000
Sioux Falls, SD
Lowest Paying
$143,000
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.
The average Senior Data Scientist (AI-Specialized) salary in the United States is $185,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $140,000 at the 25th percentile to $240,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $260,000, while Sioux Falls offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Compensation depends on ability to translate business problems into ML solutions and deploy models to production.
Senior Data Scientist (AI-Specialized) salary by city
Skills that increase Senior Data Scientist (AI-Specialized) pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Senior Data Scientist (AI-Specialized)s based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $25,900 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$25,900 per year
≈ +$24,050 per year
≈ +$22,200 per year
≈ +$20,350 per year
≈ +$18,500 per year
≈ +$18,500 per year
≈ +$18,500 per year
≈ +$16,650 per year
What you should know
Compensation depends on ability to translate business problems into ML solutions and deploy models to production. Scientists who combine statistical rigor with engineering skills earn significantly more. Domain expertise in high-value sectors like fintech, biotech, or adtech adds 10 to 20% to offers.
Junior data scientists start at $95,000 to $120,000. Mid-level roles pay $130,000 to $160,000. Senior AI-specialized scientists earn $185,000 to $240,000, and principal or staff data scientists at top firms reach $280,000 to $350,000 in total compensation.
Annual bonuses typically range from 10 to 15% of base salary. Equity grants vary widely, with startups offering larger percentages and public companies providing RSUs worth $40,000 to $100,000 annually.