Data Scientist Salary in California

How Much Does a Data Scientist Make in California?

The typical Data Scientist salary in California ranges from $84,000 to $156,000, with the national median at $120,000.

Use statistical analysis and machine learning to extract insights from data Your actual take-home pay as a Data Scientist in California depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• California state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Data Scientist in California

As a Data Scientist working in California, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Data Scientist professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

California State Income Tax

California has a state income tax that applies to all Data Scientist salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on California's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our California salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Data Scientist salary.

Cost of Living for Data Scientist in California

Your Data Scientist salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of California. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $120,000 Data Scientist salary in a low-cost area of California provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Data Scientist Salary Examples in California

Here's what different Data Scientist salary levels look like in California:

Entry-Level Data Scientist ($84,000)

• Gross annual salary: $84,000
• Federal tax: ~$10,080
• FICA: ~$6,426
• California state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $58,800

Median Data Scientist ($120,000)

• Gross annual salary: $120,000
• Federal tax: ~$19,200
• FICA: ~$9,180
• California state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $80,400

Experienced Data Scientist ($156,000)

• Gross annual salary: $156,000
• Federal tax: ~$34,320
• FICA: ~$11,934
• California state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $93,600

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our California salary calculator.

Compare Data Scientist Salaries Across States

The same Data Scientist salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $120,000 Data Scientist salary in California results in about $6,000 to $12,000 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Data Scientist salary in California?

The average Data Scientist salary in California varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $120,000, with typical California salaries ranging from $84,000 to $156,000.

How much does a Data Scientist make after taxes in California?

After federal taxes, FICA, California state tax, and typical deductions, a Data Scientist earning $120,000 in California takes home approximately $78,000 to $84,000 per year.

Is California a good state for Data Scientist professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider California's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Data Scientist take-home pay in California?

Use our California salary calculator →

Or compare Data Scientist salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.