Data Scientist vs Web Developer: 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.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $16,230/year (16%) higher than a Web Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Web Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Web Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $147,801 | Data +$28,976 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $122,892 | Data +$13,088 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $148,827 | Data +$24,359 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $113,006 | Data +$17,727 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $113,802 | Data +$18,613 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $134,947 | Data +$21,168 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £80,939 | Data $2,723 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$138,013 | Data $3,748 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Web Developer earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $104,000/year for a Web Developer — a difference of $16,230 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Web Developer?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Web Developer demand is growing at 16% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Web Developer?+
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 Web Developer?+
Data Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.