Hiring a data scientist: the market today
The short answer ·
521 open postings ask for a data scientist as of Nov 11, 2026, from 153 employers. The median advertised pay is $146,380, taking the midpoint of each posted range. 213 of those postings are new in the last 30 days, so expect competition.
Who you're competing with
Open postings · Ayla, Nov 11, 2026
What it pays
Advertised pay (range midpoints), 360 postings with pay · OPM actual pay, Sep 2026
Questions buyers ask
How hard is it to hire a data scientist?
Hard. 153 employers are hiring the role right now, led by Booz Allen Hamilton with 76 open postings.
What should I pay a data scientist?
Advertised pay centers on $146,380. Federal staff in series 1560 average $145,597 in actual pay.
Where is a data scientist being hired?
As of Nov 11, 2026, the most open postings for the role are in Virginia (130), Maryland (57) and California (54). Together they hold 46% of its 521 open postings.
Who can help me hire a data scientist?
Ayla's recruiters, for government agencies and contractors. Send the role for a free market brief within two business days, then interview the people we find; you pay a placement fee when you hire.