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.
$256,315/yr
Typical range: $217,789 – $267,802
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 | $117,766 | $9,814 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $145,476 | $12,123 | +24% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $163,949 | $13,662 | +39% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $189,812 | $15,818 | +61% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $256,315 | $21,360 | +118% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $321,433 | $26,786 | +173% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $337,713 | $28,143 | +187% |
Current Salary
$256,315
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $123/hr
Next Level Target
$321,433
Principal · 14
+$65Kpotential 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 $256K 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 $256K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $123/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 $218K–$268K/yr.