Silicon Valley proper — Apple, Google, Nvidia, Adobe. Here's how Data Scientists in San Jose get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Jose metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $180,000 | $136,800 | $234,000 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $223,700 | $170,000 | $290,800 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $257,200 | $195,500 | $334,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $308,600 | $234,600 | $401,100 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $349,700 | $265,800 | $454,600 |
Highest-paying metros for Data Scientists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Jose metro economy.
The average Data Scientist salary in the San Jose metro is $257,200 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $195,500 to $334,300 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $424,400 or more.
Yes — San Jose pays +7% relative to the California 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.
San Jose vs. national: +65%. That puts San Jose among the stronger US markets for Data Scientists — though cost of living in San Jose is also typically elevated.
In San Jose, the median Data Scientist salary of $257,200 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Data Scientists in San Jose start around $180,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $308,600 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.
Get my personal salary report →