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.

$187,600/yr

Typical range: $215,251 $264,681

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$116,394$9,700
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$143,781$11,982+24%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$162,039$13,503+39%
SeniorThis page6 yrs6 yrs$187,600$15,633+61%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$253,329$21,111+118%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$317,688$26,474+173%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$333,778$27,815+187%
Current Salary
$187,600
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $90/hr
Next Level Target
$253,329
Staff · 10
+$66Kpotential 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 $188K 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 $188K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $90/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 $215K–$265K/yr.