Data Scientist Jobs in New Orleans, LA

New Orleans, Louisiana$124,800 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: June 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Data Scientist Jobs in New Orleans

Looking for a Data Scientist job in New Orleans? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Data Scientist in New Orleans, LA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

New Orleans has a strong job market for Data Scientists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Data Scientist Salary in New Orleans

Entry Level
$81,600
Median
$124,800
Senior Level
$176,640

Data Scientist salaries in New Orleans are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in New Orleans is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

PythonMachine LearningSQLStatisticsData Visualization

Data Scientist Job Market in New Orleans

New Orleans, LA is a major regional employment hub for Data Scientist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, New Orleans offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. The city's strong Tourism and Energy sectors create robust demand for Data Scientist talent. With high demand and 36% projected growth, qualified Data Scientists often receive multiple offers and competitive packages.

What it's like to job-hunt for Data Scientist roles in New Orleans

New Orleans's Tourism sector is one of the leading employers of Data Scientists in Louisiana. With approximately 383,997 residents in the metro area, the Data Scientist job market here is shaped by long-established firms in Tourism and Energy alongside a growing roster of newer entrants.

Data Scientist salaries in New Orleans center around $124,800 per year. The local cost-of-living index of 96 sits close to the national average, so the salary's real purchasing power is essentially what the headline number suggests. This makes New Orleans an attractive market for Data Scientist candidates relocating from higher-cost coastal cities.

The Data Scientist role is one of the faster-growing occupations nationally, with year-over-year demand running around 36%. In New Orleans that growth is most visible at Tourism employers and at companies that have built dedicated practices in this discipline within the last 24 months. Candidates with 3-5 years of experience are seeing the strongest interest.

Data Scientist is one of the more remote-friendly roles, and many New Orleans-based employers now post hybrid (2-3 days in office) or fully remote variants of the position. This expands the available employer pool well beyond local companies — strong candidates in New Orleans can often access Louisiana jobs from major metros without relocating.

Core skills that consistently show up in New Orleans Data Scientist postings include Python, Machine Learning, SQL, and Statistics. Candidates whose resumes lead with measurable outcomes against these specific skills (project counts, quantified impact, recognized certifications) tend to move through screening faster than those leading with general experience claims.

Compensation negotiation for Data Scientist roles in New Orleans typically has more room than candidates assume. Asking for 8-12% above the initial offer is common practice and rarely jeopardizes an offer; pairing the ask with a specific outside reference point (a competing offer, a published salary band) makes it more effective.

Top Companies Hiring Data Scientists in New Orleans

LucidDXC TechnologyiSeatzEnvoc

Major employers hiring Data Scientists in New Orleans include Lucid, DXC Technology, iSeatz, Envoc. Many companies offer competitive benefits including remote/hybrid work options, comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Data Scientists in New Orleans

Living in New Orleans as a Data Scientist means navigating a cost of living that's close to the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month (22% below the national average). At median Data Scientist salary, housing is quite affordable at 13% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,100/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

96
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.4K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Data Scientist in New Orleans

New Orleans Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Many Data Scientist positions offer remote or hybrid options, which can significantly reduce commute frequency.

Best neighborhoods for Data Scientists in New Orleans: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Data Scientist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Louisiana

Louisiana has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Data Scientists

The job outlook for Data Scientists in New Orleans is growing. Industry projections suggest 36% growth over the next decade, outpacing many other professions. New Orleans's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Python, Machine Learning, SQL, Statistics.

Relocating to New Orleans

Many Data Scientist roles offer remote work. If relocating primarily for a job, confirm the remote policy - you may have more location flexibility than expected.

Remote Work for Data Scientists in New Orleans

Data Scientist roles are highly suited for remote work, and many New Orleans employers offer fully remote or hybrid positions. This flexibility can significantly impact your housing choices - you may be able to live in more affordable neighborhoods further from downtown.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Data Scientist salary in New Orleans, LA?

The average Data Scientist salary in New Orleans, LA is $124,800 per year. Entry-level Data Scientists typically start around $81,600, while experienced professionals can earn $176,640 or more. The national average for Data Scientist roles is $130,000.

How many Data Scientist jobs are available in New Orleans?

New Orleans has a strong job market with regular openings for Data Scientist professionals. Major employers hiring Data Scientists include Lucid, DXC Technology, iSeatz, Envoc. The Tourism and Energy sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is New Orleans a good city for Data Scientists?

New Orleans is an very good choice for Data Scientists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's tourism industry creates strong demand for technology & software professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Data Scientists in New Orleans?

Top skills for Data Scientists in New Orleans include Python, Machine Learning, SQL, Statistics, Data Visualization. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork. Relevant certifications like Google Data Analytics or IBM Data Science can strengthen your candidacy.

What is the cost of living for Data Scientists in New Orleans?

New Orleans's cost of living is near the national average (96% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,400/month. Purchasing power in New Orleans is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Data Scientists in New Orleans?

New Orleans Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Many Data Scientist positions offer remote or hybrid work options, which can significantly reduce commute frequency.

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