Fastest-growing major Florida metro, finance + healthcare. Here's how Data Scientists in Tampa get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Tampa metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $111,000 | $84,300 | $144,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $137,900 | $104,800 | $179,300 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $158,600 | $120,500 | $206,200 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $190,300 | $144,600 | $247,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $215,600 | $163,800 | $280,400 |
Highest-paying metros for Data Scientists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Tampa metro economy.
The average Data Scientist salary in the Tampa metro is $158,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $120,500 to $206,200 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $261,700 or more.
Yes — Tampa pays +0% relative to the Florida 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.
Tampa vs. national: +2%. Tampa 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 Tampa, the median Data Scientist salary of $158,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Data Scientists in Tampa start around $111,000, while seniors (10+ years) reach $190,300 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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