Data Scientist Jobs in Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania$132,600 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Data Scientist Salary in Philadelphia

Entry Level
$86,700
Median
$132,600
Senior Level
$187,680

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

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

Required Skills

PythonMachine LearningSQLStatisticsData Visualization

Data Scientist Job Market in Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA is a major regional employment hub for Data Scientist professionals. With a population of 1.6 million, the Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington metro area offers diverse opportunities across multiple industries. The city's strong Healthcare and Education 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.

Top Companies Hiring Data Scientists in Philadelphia

ComcastSAPBentley SystemsSEI InvestmentsGuru

Major employers hiring Data Scientists in Philadelphia include Comcast, SAP, Bentley Systems, SEI Investments, and Guru. Many companies offer competitive benefits including remote/hybrid work options, comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Data Scientists in Philadelphia

Living in Philadelphia as a Data Scientist means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. At median Data Scientist salary, housing is quite affordable at 17% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

102
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.9K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Data Scientist in Philadelphia

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute time is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Subway lines are efficient for Center City commutes. Many Data Scientist positions offer remote or hybrid options, which can significantly reduce commute frequency.

Best neighborhoods for Data Scientists in Philadelphia: 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 Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia is growing. Industry projections suggest 36% growth over the next decade, outpacing many other professions. Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia

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 Philadelphia

Data Scientist roles are highly suited for remote work, and many Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, PA?

The average Data Scientist salary in Philadelphia, PA is $132,600 per year. Entry-level Data Scientists typically start around $86,700, while experienced professionals can earn $187,680 or more. The national average for Data Scientist roles is $130,000.

How many Data Scientist jobs are available in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia has a strong job market with regular openings for Data Scientist professionals. Major employers hiring Data Scientists include Comcast, SAP, Bentley Systems, SEI Investments. The Healthcare and Education sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Philadelphia a good city for Data Scientists?

Philadelphia 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 healthcare industry creates strong demand for technology & software professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Data Scientists in Philadelphia?

Top skills for Data Scientists in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?

Philadelphia's cost of living is near the national average (102% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,900/month. Purchasing power in Philadelphia is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Data Scientists in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia SEPTA subway, trolley, regional rail, and bus network. The average commute is 32 minutes. Regional Rail connects to suburbs and New Jersey. Many Data Scientist positions offer remote or hybrid work options, which can significantly reduce commute frequency.

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