California vs. national data scientist wages
| Metric | California | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $135,025 | $108,020 | +25% |
| Mean annual wage | $156,850 | $125,480 | +25% |
| Take-home (single filer) | $94,844 | — | after all 2026 taxes |
California median derived from BLS OEWS May 2024 national figure adjusted by state wage pattern.
Take-home breakdown for $135,025 in California
Annual deductions
- Federal income tax
- −$21,140
- California state income tax
- −$8,711
- FICA (SS + Medicare)
- −$10,329
- Total taxes
- −$40,181
Your paycheck
- Annual net
- $94,844
- Monthly net
- $7,904
- Bi-weekly net
- $3,648
- Hourly equivalent
- $45.60/hr
Assumes single filer, no pre-tax deductions, standard deduction, 2026 IRS brackets. Use the full calculator for filing-status adjustments, 401(k) contributions, and other pre-tax items.
About this occupation
Develops and implements a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information for business decision-making.
Outlook (2023-2033)
+36% (2023-2033, much faster than average — fastest-growing BLS-tracked occupation)
Typical Education
Bachelor's or master's degree in data science, computer science, statistics, or related
BLS SOC Code
15-2051
Frequently asked questions
How much does a data scientist make in in California in 2026?›
The national median annual wage for data scientists was $108,020 in May 2024 (BLS OEWS). With 2026 tax rules, take-home pay runs roughly $78,000-$86,000 depending on state. Senior data scientists at FAANG-type companies often earn $200K-$400K+ all-in.
Which states pay data scientists the most?›
California ($155K median), Washington ($150K), New York ($140K), Massachusetts ($135K), and Virginia ($125K — driven by DC-area federal/intelligence work) lead the country.
Is data science still a good career in 2026?›
Yes. BLS projects 36% employment growth from 2023-2033 — the fastest growth of any occupation they track. Demand for AI/ML practitioners remains very strong despite changing tooling.
What is the take-home pay on a $135,025 data scientist salary in California?›
On a $135,025 data scientist salary in California, take-home pay is approximately $94,844/year ($7,904/month, $3,648/bi-weekly). That accounts for $21,140 in federal income tax, 8,711 in California state income tax, and $10,329 in FICA. The effective tax rate is 29.8%.
Highest-paying states for Data Scientists
Related occupations in California
Want to model your own salary?
Open the Data Scientist + California combo in the full calculator. Pre-filled with $135,025. Adjust filing status, 401(k), and other deductions.