TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Scientist Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$231,050/yr
Typical range: $196,321 – $241,404
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Scientist salary by experience level in Boston
Data Scientist Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $106,158 | $8,847 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $131,137 | $10,928 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $147,789 | $12,316 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $171,102 | $14,259 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $231,050 | $19,254 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $289,749 | $24,146 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $304,424 | $25,369 | +187% |
Current Salary
$231,050
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $111/hr
Next Level Target
$289,749
Principal · 14
+$59Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Scientist salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Data Scientists in Boston, MA earn approximately $231K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Data Scientist make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $231K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $111/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Scientist in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Scientist in Boston, MA earns $196K–$241K/yr.