Senior Data Scientist+26% typical comp change · ~3.0y typical
62% of modeled moves out of Data Scientist go here
Modeled career paths · Data
Where does a Data Scientist go next?
What employers are asking a Data Scientist for, what they pay, and where people go next. From live postings and Startline’s modeled career map: what the ads say, never estimated.
What employers ask a Data Scientist for
Live postings for this role in October 2026, most asked for first. Stated pay is typically around $215k a year.
- Python development
- Machine learning
- SQL
- Advanced degree
- Computer science degree
- Data engineering
- Operating systems at scale
- C++ development
Pay is what the ad states, never estimated. Only competencies in Startline’s catalogue are counted.
Typical advancement
Management path
Data Science Manager+54% typical comp change · ~6.5y typical
reachable via Senior Data Scientist. 35% joint modeled share
Staff Data Scientist+25% typical comp change · ~7.0y typical
reachable via Senior Data Scientist. 14% joint modeled share
Senior Scientist+6% typical comp change · ~4.0y typical
8% of modeled moves out of Data Scientist go here
Career pivot
Senior Product Manager+30% typical comp change · ~6.8y typical
reachable via Senior Data Scientist. 8% joint modeled share
Actuarial Analyst-29% typical comp change · ~4.0y typical
8% of modeled moves out of Data Scientist go here
Applied Scientist+1% typical comp change · ~4.0y typical
8% of modeled moves out of Data Scientist go here
What this page cannot know is which of these fit you. That is what the free list is for.