Data Science Manager Salary: Your 2024 Guide

Data science managers help devise and deploy methodologies for converting raw, unstructured data into actionable insights. Leading teams of data scientists, they have a central role in defining and shaping organizations’ data-driven strategies. These professionals maintain a high level of proficiency in an array of data technologies, including, but not limited to, data structures, data mining, and data security applications.

Discover more about the job duties, salary range, and market trends associated with data science managers.

Read more: Data Science Jobs: Resources and Career Guide

What is a data science manager?  

A data science manager uses data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning techniques to uncover hidden patterns, trends, and relationships within structured or unstructured data sets. Among the other work duties of a data science manager are:

• Coaching and supervising data engineers and analysts 

• Determining the accuracy and efficacy of novel data sources

• Developing bespoke data models and algorithms 

Did you know? The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s information access division (IAD) launched a data science research program (DSRP) to expedite the research and development of data analytic methods for improved access and decoding of multimodal heterogeneous data [1]. 

How much does a data science manager make?

The average annual income for data science managers ranges from $97,145 to $155,356, according to multiple job listing sites. Below is the table depicting those salary ranges as of October 2024: 

Factors impacting a data science manager salary

Although it’s helpful to know the average, many factors can affect your salary when you work in a data science manager position. Your education, skills, certifications, experience, and location are among the considerations that can impact your earning potential. Let's examine each of the aspects more closely below.

Education

If you want to transition from an entry-level data science role to a leadership position in the same field, consider earning a master’s degree to boost your salary. Here is a breakdown

According to Zippia, data science managers with a master’s degree earn an average of $121,102. Those with a bachelor's degree have a potential annual income of around $112,395, while professionals with an associate degree can expect to earn approximately $91,299 [6].

Among data science managers, 62 percent have a bachelor's degree, making it the most common educational qualification. Additionally, approximately 16 percent have a master's degree, and about 12 percent hold a doctorate [6].

Data science enthusiasts typically choose business as their top major. Other commonly chosen majors among data science managers include statistics, computer science, and information systems.

Skills

According to Payscale, data science managers possess expert knowledge in machine learning, statistical analysis, Python, and big data analytics. Explore how these skills impact salary below [4]:

• Machine learning: $149,132

• Statistical analysis: $141,430

• Python: $150,780

• Big data analytics: $140,467

Certification

Getting certified in specific skills demonstrates your mastery of the subject and can help move your career forward. Certifications often require continuous education, ensuring you remain current with advancements and trends in data science. By obtaining relevant certifications, you establish credibility and broaden your skill set. 

Some noteworthy certifications that can greatly benefit your career as a data science manager, and the average salary of each, include: 

• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP): $108,000 [7]

• NetApp Certified Data Administrator (NCDA): $106,000 [8]

• Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM): $106,000 [9]

• IBM Certified Database Associate - DB2: $102,000 [10]

Read more: 7 Popular Data Analytics Certifications: Your Guide

Levels of experience      

As you progress in your professional journey and gather more expertise, you can anticipate a parallel increase in your annual income. The following figures from Glassdoor offer an estimate of the average compensation for data science managers at different experience levels [3]:

• 0–1 year: $137,135

• 1–3 years: $150,981

• 4–6 years: $162,235

• 7–9 years: $168,802

• 10–14 years: $180,480

• 15 or more years: $189,654

Location

The overall economic health of a city can impact job opportunities and salary levels. However, remember that salary is just one factor to consider; the cost of living, quality of life, and overall career growth opportunities should also play a significant role in your decision-making process. Keep in mind that typically cities with higher cost of living will offer higher wages.

Highest-paying cities for data science managers

Four of the top-paying cities for data science managers, according to Payscale, include the following:

• San Francisco: $178,725 [11]

• Los Angeles: $152,108 [12]

• Chicago: $141,036 [13]

• Seattle: $171,750 [14]

Industry

The industry you work in can significantly impact the salary you can expect as a data science manager. For example, industries such as information technology, real estate, and finance offer high salaries for data science managers. The following figures from Glassdoor corroborate the same [3].

Highest-paying industries for data science managers

• Information technology: $310,400

• Retail and wholesale: $219,378

• Management and consulting: $211,536

Other common industries

From offering targeted services to optimizing supply chains through data analysis, data science managers command attractive salaries in the telecommunication and retail sectors as well, given the importance of their role [3]:

• Financial services: $195,509

• Media and communication: $171,949

Related job titles

As you work advance to a management-level role, you might start in various other areas, including data analysis. Whether you want to explore positions suitable for early in your career or jobs similar to that of a data science manager, consider the following job titles. Each can serve as milestones on your professional journey toward becoming a data science manager.

Data science analyst 

Average annual base salary: $109,860 [15]

As a data analyst, your role involves overseeing, standardizing, and fine-tuning data to extract valuable insights that can be utilized independently or in conjunction with other numerical data. Furthermore, you may use charts, graphs, and tables, among other visual aids, to clarify the significance of the data for specific periods of time.

Read more: Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist: What’s the Difference?

Data science specialist 

Average annual base salary: $110,614 [16]

As a data science specialist, you'll be responsible for extracting and examining data from company databases to enhance product development, refine marketing strategies, and shape business tactics. Additionally, you'll evaluate the precision and efficiency of new data sources and methods for collecting data.

Data science consultant 

Average annual base salary: $96,302 [17]

As a data science consultant, you will interpret data analyses. Besides generating reports, you will also play a key role in crafting and implementing strategies to optimize in-use data systems and technology.

Job outlook 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for computer and information systems managers will increase by 15 percent from 2022 to 2032. This projection is faster than the average across all jobs and translates to an average of 46,900 new job opportunities yearly [18].

Next steps 

Data science management is an area of employment with excellent career growth opportunities and high salaries. Learning in-demand data skills can help you move your career forward. For example, consider taking  IBM’s Introduction to Data Science Specialization on Coursera. This beginner-friendly program will introduce you to JupyterLab, R Studio, and Watson Studio, among other data science tools.