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.
$235,233/yr
Typical range: $199,875 – $245,774
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 | $108,080 | $9,007 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $133,510 | $11,126 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $150,464 | $12,539 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $174,199 | $14,517 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $235,233 | $19,603 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $294,994 | $24,583 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $309,935 | $25,828 | +187% |
Current Salary
$235,233
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $113/hr
Next Level Target
$294,994
Principal · 14
+$60Kpotential 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 $235K 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 $235K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $113/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 $200K–$246K/yr.