Data Scientist vs Program Manager: 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.
Program Manager
Coordinate multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $17,910/year (18%) higher than a Program Manager. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Program Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Program Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $151,275 | Data +$25,502 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $124,570 | Data +$11,410 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $144,148 | Data +$29,038 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $113,017 | Data +$17,716 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $111,506 | Data +$20,909 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $136,287 | Data +$19,828 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £81,547 | Data $3,331 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$139,548 | Data $5,283 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Program Manager earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $102,320/year for a Program Manager — a difference of $17,910 (18%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Program Manager?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Program Manager demand is growing at 15% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Program Manager?+
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 Program Manager?+
Program Manager has a lower AI automation risk (36% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.