Data Scientist Career Path
Visual timeline of salary growth, key milestones, and skills at each career level.
1
Junior
0–2 years
$95,000
median · $75,000 – $115,000
$75,000 $115,000
Milestones
- Ship first model to production
- Complete A/B test analysis
- Build first dashboard
Key Skills
Python + SQL Pandas/NumPy Basic statistics Data visualization
2
Mid
2–5 years
$145,000
median · $110,000 – $175,000
$110,000 $175,000
Milestones
- Own a metric end-to-end
- Design experiment frameworks
- Mentor junior DS
Key Skills
ML fundamentals Causal inference Feature engineering Stakeholder communication
3
Senior
5–10 years
$210,000
median · $170,000 – $260,000
$170,000 $260,000
Milestones
- Define company-wide metrics
- Lead ML platform decisions
- Drive data strategy
Key Skills
Advanced ML/DL MLOps Experiment design at scale Cross-functional leadership
4
Lead / Staff
10+ years
$325,000
median · $250,000 – $420,000
$250,000 $420,000
Milestones
- Set organizational data strategy
- Build data culture
- Industry recognition
Key Skills
Organizational influence Research direction Technical vision Executive partnership
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