Banking capital #2 (Bank of America, Truist). Here's how Data Scientists in Charlotte get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Charlotte metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $110,300 | $83,800 | $143,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $137,100 | $104,200 | $178,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $157,700 | $119,800 | $205,000 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $189,200 | $143,700 | $246,000 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $214,400 | $162,900 | $278,800 |
Highest-paying metros for Data Scientists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Charlotte metro economy.
The average Data Scientist salary in the Charlotte metro is $157,700 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $119,800 to $205,000 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $260,200 or more.
Yes — Charlotte pays +2% relative to the North Carolina state median for Data Scientists. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Charlotte vs. national: +1%. Charlotte pays roughly in line with the national average for Data Scientists. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.
In Charlotte, the median Data Scientist salary of $157,700 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Data Scientists in Charlotte start around $110,300, while seniors (10+ years) reach $189,200 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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