Data Scientist vs Data Architect: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Data Architect
Design enterprise data systems, lakes, and pipelines for scalability and governance.
Data Architect earns more on average — the national median is $30,385/year (25%) higher than a Data Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Data Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Data Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $223,662 | Data $46,885 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $176,070 | Data $40,090 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $213,160 | Data $39,974 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $169,668 | Data $38,935 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $163,518 | Data $31,103 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $192,776 | Data $36,661 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £114,371 | Data $36,155 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$200,067 | Data $65,802 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Data Architect earn more?+
A Data Architect earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $150,615/year for a Data Architect — a difference of $30,385 (25%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Data Architect?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Data Architect demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Data Architect?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Data Scientist or Data Architect?+
Data Architect has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.