TechnologyOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years

Senior Data Scientist Salary in Washington DC

2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.

$184,264/yr

Typical range: $211,423 $259,974

P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Data Scientist Salary Progression in Washington DC

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$114,324$9,527
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$141,224$11,769+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$159,157$13,263+39%
SeniorThis page6 yrs6 yrs$184,264$15,355+61%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$248,824$20,735+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$312,038$26,003+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$327,842$27,320+187%
Current Salary
$184,264
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $89/hr
Next Level Target
$248,824
Staff · 10
+$65Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
74/100
Above Average
+36% demand · Moderate AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the senior Data Scientist salary in Washington DC, DC?

Senior Data Scientists in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $184K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a senior Data Scientist make per hour in Washington DC, DC?

Based on $184K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $89/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from senior to senior Data Scientist in Washington DC, DC?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Data Scientist in Washington DC, DC earns $211K–$260K/yr.