Data Scientist Salary in San Diego
Median salary for a Data Scientist in San Diego is $180k per year. Hire remotely via KiteHR and save 52% — or $94k annually.
Local Median
$180k
Remote Median
$86k
You Save
52%
Annual Savings
$94k
Local vs. Remote Salary Comparison
Salary Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Local (San Diego) | Remote |
|---|---|---|
| P25 — Entry level | $155k | $77k |
| P50 — Median | $180k | $86k |
| P75 — Senior / Lead | $205k | $95k |
Total Employer Cost
Salary + estimated benefits, payroll taxes, and overhead (30% local / 15% remote).
In-person in San Diego
$234k
/year total cost
Remote via KiteHR
$99k
/year total cost
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Data Scientist salary in San Diego?
The median Data Scientist salary in San Diego is $180k per year. Entry-level roles start around $155k, while senior or lead-level Data Scientists can earn up to $205k. Data reflects 2025 market rates sourced from BLS OES, DOL H-1B LCA disclosures, and KiteHR market research.
How much can I save hiring a remote Data Scientist?
Hiring a remote Data Scientist vs. a San Diego-based hire saves approximately 52% — or $94k per year. Remote Engineering professionals typically earn $86k median, compared to the local San Diego rate of $180k.
Is it common to hire a remote Data Scientist?
Yes — Engineering roles like Data Scientist have a high degree of remote compatibility. Latin America, Eastern Europe, and Southeast Asia have deep talent pools for this category. KiteHR can help you post the role, screen candidates, and manage the hiring pipeline entirely online.
What is the total employer cost for a Data Scientist in San Diego?
The total employer cost — including salary, payroll taxes, health benefits, and overhead — for a Data Scientist in San Diego is approximately $234k per year. Hiring remote reduces this to roughly $99k, saving $135k annually.
Savings Calculator
How many Data Scientists are you hiring in San Diego?
Annual savings with remote team
$281k
$94k per role × 3 hires
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- Demand in San Diego
- high
- Category
- Engineering
- Data year
- 2025
- Currency
- USD
Other Engineering Roles in San Diego
Data sourced from BLS OES, DOL H-1B LCA disclosures, and KiteHR market research. Figures are estimates and may vary by company, seniority, and experience level.
Data Scientist Salary in Other Cities
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