Average Salaries ($K)
California 2020-2024
Data Salary review
California
2020 - 2024
- 25% Average Cost Of Living Rise
- #22/23 Cheapest City To Live
- 31% Average Salary Rise
- #9/23 Salary Growth - All Roles
- #9/23 Salary Growth For Heads Of Data
- #22/23 Salary Growth For Data Engineers
- #10/23 Salary Growth For Data Analysts
- #8/23 Salary Growth For Data Scientists
Overview
It is important to highlight that in our research, data sourced from San Francisco displayed an unusually high number of outliers, most noticeably a significant discrepancy between advertised salaries and actual compensation. These inconsistencies skewed the overall picture, so we decided to broaden our analysis to include the entire state of California, where data proved to be more accurate and reflective over the past five years. By focusing on the state as a whole, we were able to capture a clearer, more reliable picture of the job market for data professionals.
California, known for its excellent weather, stunning beaches, and its reputation as a global tech hub, has long been a magnet for talent. However, in recent years, we have observed a shift where the state’s renowned status as a tech epi-centre benefits employers more than it does the talent themselves. While wages for data professionals in California remain high than the national average, they have shown only modest, mid-level growth over the past five years. This suggests that, although California remains an attractive destination for launching or advancing a career, the job market is becoming increasingly competitive. As more professionals flock to the state, the challenge of standing out and securing top-paying roles will likely grow, making it a more challenging environment for talent in the coming years.
Heads Of Data
Despite market fluctuations, California’s robust tech ecosystem remains a prime destination for top-tier data leadership roles. In major tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Heads of Data are at the centre of a highly competitive job market. While the competition for talent is high, so too are the opportunities available, with companies across various industries vying for these senior leaders to shape and drive their data strategy.
The demand for data leaders surged post-pandemic, with average salaries for expert-level roles rising by 44.23% since 2022, reflecting the increasing value placed on data expertise. However, along with this significant salary growth, expectations have also skyrocketed. Heads of Data are now expected not only to manage complex data infrastructure and drive business impact but also to build and lead teams, often requiring them to focus on recruiting and mentoring the next generation of data professionals. The high cost of living in California, combined with intense competition for talent, has made it more challenging for senior professionals to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as the pressure to deliver results and manage teams intensifies. This makes it essential for companies to offer competitive compensation, development opportunities, and a supportive work culture to attract and retain top leadership talent in the data space.
Whilst California sits top of the rankings for wages, it is only #9/23 for wage growth when comparing 2020 to 2024.
Average Salaries ($K) By Experience
Data Engineers
Despite the rise of new startups in California, the demand for data engineers has not grown as expected, following a trend similar to what we have seen in New York. During the early stages of the pandemic, many employers in California, much like those in New York, shifted their hiring focus toward more senior-level positions to navigate the challenges of a rapidly changing business environment. As a result, the demand for data engineers across various experience levels has since declined, with companies increasingly focusing on roles that offer more strategic impact. Average wages dropped in 2021 by a staggering -20% at expert level and have never recovered to the same rate.
That said, California still offers competitive salaries for data engineers, higher than in other regions, largely due to the state’s strong demand for these professionals and its high cost of living. Data engineers in California also have access to a wealth of career advancement opportunities. There are clear paths to more senior roles, such as Lead Data Engineer, Data Architect, and Engineering Manager, particularly in large, international tech companies. Although the pace of salary growth for data engineers may have slowed in recent years, the state’s vibrant tech ecosystem continues to offer long-term growth potential. Additionally, the opportunity to work on high-profile, innovative projects and the potential for future growth within major firms makes California a sought-after location for top-tier data engineering talent, despite the more competitive and volatile job market.
Average Salaries ($K) By Experience
Data Analysts
Data analyst roles in California have seen remarkable growth over the past few years, unaffected by the broader economic downturn or pandemic. Over the last five years, we have observed an impressive 44.44% rise in salaries at the expert level. This surge can be attributed to the increasing demand for data-driven insights and the growing scope of responsibilities within the role.
The role of a data analyst in California has evolved significantly in recent years, differentiating it from other states. Analysts are no longer limited to basic data cleaning and reporting tasks; instead, they are expected to take on more complex assignments that were once handled by data scientists. This includes building sophisticated models, conducting predictive analytics, and delivering actionable insights to key stakeholders across an organisation. California’s competitive landscape and focus on cutting-edge technologies in fields like AI and machine learning have pushed the boundaries of what is expected from a data analyst, making it one of the most dynamic roles in the data sector.
With this expanded scope of responsibilities, the role of a data analyst is becoming increasingly blurred with that of a data scientist. The growing expectation for analysts to master advanced analytics tools, develop models, and engage in predictive analysis has led to higher salaries and greater job opportunities. However, this also contributes to some ambiguity around career progression, as the distinction between data analysts and data scientists becomes less clear. In California, the talent pool for data analysts is not only vast but also highly skilled, making it an attractive market for both emerging talent and experienced professionals. Whilst California ranked #1/23 for highest wages for analysts, it only ranks #10/23 for wage growth.
Average Salaries ($K) By Experience
Data Scientists
The tech sector, especially in Silicon Valley, continues to be the primary hub for data scientists, with top companies like Google, Apple, and Facebook providing abundant opportunities for those skilled in machine learning, AI, and big data analytics. However, the demand for data scientists extends far beyond tech, with key industries such as healthcare (e.g. Kaiser Permanente, Genentech), entertainment (e.g. Netflix, Disney), finance (e.g. Wells Fargo, JPMorgan), and e-commerce (e.g. Amazon, eBay) actively seeking professionals to leverage data for improved decision-making and innovation.
While it may seem concerning that data scientists have not experienced significant wage growth over the past five years, it is important to recognise that the number of job opportunities has significantly increased from 2020 to 2024. This growing job market offers ample potential for career advancement and the flexibility to switch roles more easily. Additionally, there is a rising demand for data scientists with specialised expertise, which suggests strong long-term career prospects for those who continue to develop their skills.
Average Salaries ($K) By Experience
Hiring Data Roles For California Companies
California, especially Silicon Valley, remains one of the most competitive hiring markets for data professionals globally. The region boasts a large talent pool due to its strong tech ecosystem, but competition for top-tier talent is fierce, particularly from industry giants. This intense competition drives rapid wage growth, but also contributes to high turnover rates, as professionals are often lured away by better compensation, stock options, or opportunities in startups. Employers need to be prepared to offer highly competitive salaries and robust career development programs to attract and retain the best talent.
In this highly competitive environment, hiring a data agency like 173tech can be a smart move for employers looking to quickly leverage top-tier talent. If your company is struggling to find talent, or you need additional resources for a short-term project like a marketing campaign or data infrastructure overhaul, a data agency can help bridge the gap at what will likely be a significant cost saving. Agencies can provide access to seasoned professionals who can hit the ground running, saving time and resources in the recruitment process and allowing your team to focus on core business objectives.
173tech Direct Comparison
- Head Of Data (5+ yrs) $375k
- Data Engineer (5+ yrs) $160k
- Data Engineer (0-3 yrs) $90k
- Data Analyst (3-5 yrs) $100k
- $725k per yr + Tax + Pension + Holidays
- Candice (15+ yrs) Ruben (8+ yrs) Oliver (10+ yrs)
- Adrian (15+ yrs)
- Oscar (2+ yrs)
- Emeric (3+ yrs) Mai (4+ yrs) Noel (2+ yrs) Amy (2+ yrs)
- $240k
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