TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Data Scientist Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$260,224/yr
Typical range: $221,110 – $271,885
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Data Scientist salary by experience level in Seattle
Data Scientist Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $119,562 | $9,964 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $147,695 | $12,308 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $166,450 | $13,871 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $192,706 | $16,059 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $260,224 | $21,685 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $326,335 | $27,195 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $342,863 | $28,572 | +187% |
Current Salary
$260,224
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $125/hr
Next Level Target
$326,335
Principal · 14
+$66Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Data Scientist salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Data Scientists in Seattle, WA earn approximately $260K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $260K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $125/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Data Scientist in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Scientist in Seattle, WA earns $221K–$272K/yr.