Data Scientist Salary in North Carolina: Quick Overview
If you’re considering a career as a data scientist in North Carolina, here’s what you need to know about compensation. North Carolina data scientists earn a median salary of $126,940 per year, which is +17.5% vs national average.
| Metric | Salary |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $126,940 |
| Entry-Level (10th Percentile) | $66,220 |
| Experienced (90th Percentile) | $180,220 |
| Estimated Employment | 6,640 workers |
| Salary Range | $66,220 – $180,220 |
How North Carolina Compares to Other States
Here are the top 5 highest-paying states for data scientists across the country:
| State | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Delaware | $138,780 |
| Virginia | $136,490 |
| California | $133,690 |
| Washington | $132,620 |
| New Jersey | $130,570 |
Breaking Down the Numbers: What You’ll Actually Make
Let’s get real about the numbers. A data scientist in North Carolina can expect their salary to grow significantly over their career:
- Starting out (first 1-3 years): Expect somewhere around $66,220 per year. This is the 10th percentile — meaning 10% of workers earn less than this.
- Mid-career (3-7 years): The median of $126,940 kicks in. Half of all data scientists in North Carolina earn more than this, half earn less.
- Senior level (7+ years): Top earners pull in $180,220 or more. The 90th percentile represents the top 10% of earners in the field.
What Affects Your Salary as a Data Scientist in North Carolina
Several factors move the needle on your paycheck:
- Location within North Carolina: Major metro areas typically pay 10-20% more than rural areas. Cost of living plays a big role here.
- Industry: Tech companies, financial institutions, and consulting firms usually pay above median. Government and non-profit roles tend to pay below.
- Education and certifications: A bachelor’s degree is often the minimum. Specialized certifications can bump your salary by 5-15%.
- Experience: Each year of relevant experience adds roughly 2-4% to your base salary, with the biggest jumps in years 1-5.
- Company size: Companies with 500+ employees typically offer 8-12% higher base salaries but may have slower promotion cycles.
How to Maximize Your Data Scientist Salary in North Carolina
Want to push past the median? Here are strategies that actually work:
- Negotiate your starting offer: Companies expect negotiation. Aim for 10-15% above the initial offer. Use the data on this page as leverage.
- Switch companies every 2-3 years: Job hoppers see 8-12% salary increases vs 3-5% for staying put. It’s not loyalty that pays — it’s leverage.
- Build in-demand skills: Focus on skills that fewer people have. Check job postings in North Carolina to see what employers are desperate for.
- Get certified: Industry certifications show you’re serious. They also give HR a reason to classify you at a higher pay grade.
- Consider remote work: If your role allows it, work remotely for a company in a higher-paying state while enjoying North Carolina’s cost of living.
Data Scientist Salary by State
Wondering how North Carolina stacks up against the rest? Browse data scientist salaries in other states:
- Alabama: $100,560
- Alaska: $80,000
- Arizona: $106,400
- Arkansas: $115,890
- California: $133,690
- Colorado: $111,970
- Connecticut: $112,750
- Delaware: $138,780
- District of Columbia: $122,010
- Florida: $95,360
- Georgia: $100,950
- Hawaii: $129,930
- Idaho: $122,280
- Illinois: $108,580
- Indiana: $81,620
- Iowa: $96,980
- Kansas: $101,610
- Kentucky: $88,800
- Louisiana: $68,730
- Maine: $99,960
- Maryland: $125,460
- Massachusetts: $121,560
- Michigan: $90,750
- Minnesota: $114,630
- Mississippi: $62,600
- Missouri: $81,410
- Montana: $94,420
- Nebraska: $92,640
- Nevada: $86,030
- New Hampshire: $92,670
What This Salary Looks Like After Cost of Living
North Carolina’s cost of living index sits at 94, which is close to the national average of 100. Your cost of living is pretty much in line with the national average. A $126,940 salary in North Carolina feels close to what you’d expect in most other states — no major premium or discount.
Here’s the math: your median salary of $126,940 in North Carolina has the same purchasing power as earning roughly $135,043 in a state with average living costs. This is important when you’re comparing job offers across state lines — a higher number on paper doesn’t always mean more money in your pocket.
The biggest expenses that eat into your salary in North Carolina:
- Housing: Rent or mortgage is typically 30-40% of take-home pay for data scientists in North Carolina.
- Transportation: Commuting costs vary widely — urban areas with public transit save money, while rural areas require car ownership.
- Healthcare: Expect to spend 5-10% of gross income on premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket costs.
- Taxes: State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all factor in. Some states are far more tax-friendly than others.
The takeaway? Don’t just look at the raw salary number. A $66,220 starting salary in North Carolina might actually give you more disposable income than a higher salary in a more expensive state.
Career Path: From $66,220 to $180,220
Your salary as a data scientist in North Carolina won’t stay flat. Here’s what the typical progression looks like, based on BLS percentile data:
Years 0-3: Junior Data Scientist / Data Analyst
Expected salary range: $66,220 – $76,153
Cleaning data, building basic models, creating dashboards, and supporting senior scientists. You’re in the bottom quartile of earners, but this is where you build the foundation. Focus on learning fast, taking on stretch projects, and documenting your wins for future negotiations.
Years 3-7: Data Scientist / Senior Analyst
Expected salary range: $76,153 – $126,940
Designing experiments, deploying production models, communicating insights to stakeholders. This is where most people hit the median. The jump from entry-level to mid-career is usually the biggest percentage increase you’ll see.
Years 7+: Principal Data Scientist / Head of Data / VP of Analytics
Expected salary range: $126,940 – $180,220+
Setting data strategy, building teams, driving organizational decisions with analytics. The top 10% of data scientists in North Carolina earn $180,220 or more. Getting there usually requires a mix of specialized skills, leadership experience, and strategic career moves.
Key milestones that trigger salary jumps: changing companies (8-15% bump), getting promoted (10-20%), earning certifications (5-10%), and relocating to higher-paying markets within North Carolina.
How This Compares to Similar Jobs in North Carolina
Wondering if you’d make more in a related field? Here’s how data scientist pay in North Carolina stacks up against comparable roles:
| Job Title | Median Salary | Entry-Level | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer | $130,620 | $79,280 | $179,570 |
| Accountant | $79,920 | $52,000 | $138,990 |
| Marketing Manager | $143,800 | $82,030 | $233,400 |
Is it worth moving to a different state for a higher data scientist salary?
Moving from North Carolina to a higher-paying state can boost your salary, but run the numbers on cost of living first. A 20% salary increase means nothing if housing costs 40% more. Use the adjusted salary comparison on this page to make an informed decision.
What’s the salary range for data scientists with 10+ years of experience in North Carolina?
With 10+ years of experience, data scientists in North Carolina typically earn between $139,634 and $180,220. The top earners often have specialized skills, management experience, or work in high-demand industries. Senior-level roles may also include equity, bonuses, or profit-sharing that push total compensation well above the base salary figures shown here.
The Bottom Line on Data scientist Salaries in North Carolina
Based on BLS data, data scientists in North Carolina can expect a solid earning trajectory over their career. The key is to negotiate your starting salary aggressively, switch companies every few years for bigger jumps, and invest in skills that are actually in demand in North Carolina’s job market. Don’t sleep on certifications and professional development — they’re often the difference between staying at median pay and breaking into the top quartile. And if you’re comparing offers from different states, always factor in cost of living. A lower salary in North Carolina might actually leave you with more money at the end of the month than a higher salary somewhere expensive. Use the data on this page to make smarter career and financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is $126,940 a good salary for a Data Scientist in North Carolina?
The median salary of $126,940 for data scientists in North Carolina is above the national average. Whether it’s “good” depends on your experience level, the specific industry you work in, and North Carolina’s cost of living. For a single person in most parts of North Carolina, this salary provides a comfortable lifestyle.
How much do entry-level data scientists make in North Carolina?
Entry-level data scientists in North Carolina typically earn around $66,220 per year. This varies by industry and whether you’re in a metro or rural area. Internships and co-ops during school can help you start at a higher pay band.
What’s the job outlook for data scientists in North Carolina?
There are approximately 6,640 data scientists employed in North Carolina. Job growth varies by specialty, but roles requiring digital skills and data analysis tend to see stronger demand. Check the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for the latest projections.
Do data scientists in North Carolina get benefits on top of salary?
Most full-time data scientist positions in North Carolina include benefits worth roughly 30% of base salary: health insurance, retirement contributions (often 3-6% match), paid time off (15-25 days), and sometimes bonuses or profit sharing.