World's Top 12 Highest-Paying Cities for Data Science in 2025

The demand for data scientists worldwide is projected to increase by 36% between 2023 and 2033. The Bureau of Labor Statistics report highlights this growth as being much faster than the average of all occupations taken together. 

This inevitably makes the profession highly paid worldwide. However, due to several factors, the salary packages of data scientists are bound to vary in different parts of the globe. This blog explores the world’s 12 highest-paying cities for Data Science in 2025. The following factors can help make an informed choice for the best cities to seek jobs in Data Science and AI domains:

• Concentration of relevant industries 
• Salary potential vs the cost of living in the city
• Work-life balance
• Remote work options
• Potential for career advancement    

World's Top 12 Highest-Paying Cities for Data Science in 2025

It helps to know the exact location where data scientists are rewarded significantly for their talent. This helps aspiring professionals in the field to plan their career paths better by pursuing the right data science courses. Let us explore the 12 best-paying cities globally that pay data scientists reasonably well.

The table below lists the top 12 countries in the world for Data Science in order of the average annual salary earned by Data Scientists. 

Sources: Glassdoor, Living Cost

1. San Francisco, USA

The epicenter of tech hubs in the US, San Francisco is home to several renowned companies that welcome data science talent. A few examples include Meta, Google, Uber, and more. The tough competition is the reason for high salaries in the city. 

Future scope of data science jobs in San Francisco: Projected to increase by 36% from 2023 - 2033 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Average salary of data scientists: USD 156,541 per annum

2. New York, USA 

The presence of major tech companies, banks, and leading financial institutions in the Big Apple city propels the need for competitive pay packages in its data science industry. Moreover, data scientists are in equally high demand across varied sectors - advertising, finance, and healthcare. 

Future scope of data science jobs in New York: Projected to grow by 35% increase over 2022-2032 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Average salary of data scientists: USD 127,019 per annum

3. Zurich, Switzerland  

The city is the financial magnet of Switzerland, attracting several top giants in the banking and insurance domains. All of these companies invest heavily in data science to stay ahead of the competition, which explains the remarkable salary packages. 

Future scope of data science jobs in Zurich: The future for data science professionals in Zurich seems quite promising, with high demand across varied sectors - healthcare, finance, and tech.  

Average salary of data scientists: CHF 1,10,000 per annum

4. Sydney, Australia

Sydney has lately been attracting a significant number of investments in its tech industry from around the world. Fueling its rapidly-growing tech startup ecosystem is healthcare and FinTech companies investing in data analytics for future growth. 

Future scope of data science jobs in Sydney: Projected CAGR of around 28% in the next 5 years  

Average salary of data scientists: AUD 1,20,250 per annum

5. Munich, Germany 

Creating a strong demand for data scientists, particularly in its AI and industrial automation sectors, Munich will be among the top-paying cities in the world for these professionals in 2025. The city is a leading hub for manufacturing and automotive industries that considerably make use of data-driven solutions to navigate complex challenges.

Future scope of data science jobs in Munich: The advent of Industry 4.0 and the commendable support from the government is fostering the growth of data science in Germany.

Average salary of data scientists: EUR 67,500 per annum

Also Read: Data Science for Beginners: A Comprehensive Guide

6. Singapore, Singapore

The demand for data science in Asia is rapidly increasing too with a surge in the establishment of multinationals in the region. Singapore is fast evolving as the technological and financial hub of Asia. This has further promoted the demand for data analytics and AI in industries like logistics, banking, and healthcare.

Future scope of data science jobs in Singapore: The data science industry boasts a considerable earning potential of SGD 122,923, which explains the high salaries and promising career prospects for professionals.

Average salary of data scientists: SGD 104,999 per annum

7. Tokyo, Japan 

One of the tech pioneers in the world, Japan has always attracted the top talent in the field across the globe. With the emergence of IoT, robotics, and AI technologies, the capital city of Tokyo is fast turning into a “smart city”. With data science being a key component in these technological developments, skilled professionals are rewarded well for their efforts.

Future scope of data science jobs in Tokyo: Projected 20% job growth propelled by the consistent demand for data scientists in various industries.

Average salary of data scientists: JP¥ 70,00,000 per annum 

8. Toronto, Canada

The popular hub of innovative startups and giant tech companies renowned across the world, Toronto boasts a robust AI research ecosystem. The fast-evolving tech industry in the city receives considerable support and backup from the initiatives led by the Canadian government, thus paying its data scientists decently well.

Future scope of data science jobs in Toronto: Job openings for data scientists are projected to go up to 10,000 between 2024 and 2033. 

Average salary of data scientists: CAD 93,358 per annum

9. London, UK

The world-famous financial hub creates a consistently high demand for data analysts in FinTech, banking jobs, retail, and e-commerce. 

Future scope of data science jobs in London: The epicenter of data science and tech industries in the UK, London continues to attract skilled professionals in the field across its varied sectors - healthcare, finance, and government.

Average salary of data scientists: GBP 54,277 per annum

10. Bengaluru, India

Yet another city that deserves a mention in the list of the world’s top-paying data science cities in 2025 is the Silicon City of India - Bengaluru. It is also famously addressed as the country’s IT capital, thanks to the presence of numerous technological companies of all sizes that harmoniously exist side by side in the city. The tech hub creates ample opportunities for data scientists.

Future scope of data science jobs in Bengaluru: Projected to grow 36% by 2031

Average salary of data scientists: INR 17,00,000 per annum

11. Gurugram, India 

India is fast catching up with the world in the field of data science and analytics, with the city of Gurugram in Haryana spreading out as a tech hub. Numerous startups and tech giants are on the lookout for talented data scientists at lucrative salary offers.

Future scope of data science jobs in Gurugram: The data science industry in the city is set to boom with competitive compensation packages ranging from INR 100,000 - INR 400,000 per annum. 

Average salary of data scientists: INR 15,00,000 per annum

12. Hong Kong, China

The city’s strategic location as Asia’s popular financial epicenter creates a high demand for data science professionals in the insurance, banking, and FinTech industries.

Future scope of data science jobs in Hong Kong: Projected to grow at a CAGR of 34.6% between 2025 and 2030

Average salary of data scientists: HKD 360,325 per annum

Also Read: Top 15 jobs for Data Science with highest salary in India 2025 

upGrad’s Exclusive Data Science Webinar for you –

Watch our Webinar on How to Build Digital & Data Mindset?

How to Get a High-Paying Data Science Job in These Cities?

To secure a job in one of your preferred cities from the list shared above, follow the simple tips below:

• Master the key skills: Tailor your skill set to those demanded in the city of your choice by reviewing various job postings. Master programming languages (Python, R), machine learning frameworks, and data visualization tools that align with local industry demands.
• Assess relocation benefits: Study carefully the expenses involved in relocating to another city for a job. Consider the salary benefits in proportion to the cost of living and see whether the move is worth it.
• Network aggressively: Networking is crucial to landing your dream job. Engage on online forums, participate in events, and attend conferences to seek information on and opportunities for better prospects in data science globally. 
• Earn relevant work experience: This would help you make a strong footing in the industry and unlock lucrative career opportunities and pay packages. Make sure to build a strong work portfolio highlighting successful relevant data science projects. Consider internships, freelance gigs, or contributing to open-source projects to build credibility.
• Leverage online learning: It is a boon in today’s busy professional landscape where working professionals have little time to spare for upskilling. Avail online learning platforms such as upGrad to earn certifications in AI, ML, or Big Data, making you job-ready for competitive markets.

Top Factors Affecting Salaries of Data Science Professionals

The pay packages of data scientists in different parts of the world are likely to vary owing to several factors. Some of the key ones influencing the salaries of data scientists globally are:

• Cost of living in the city: Cities with a relatively higher cost of living (such as New York, San Francisco, and London) are likely to pay professionals more than those residing in cities with lower living costs incurred in accommodation, transport, or food (Bengaluru, Gurugram).
• Industry demand: The local industrial demand for data science professionals in a specific city may influence salaries in the area. For instance, banking and financial hubs like London and New York tend to pay professionals higher than others.
• Skill set: Professionals adept in specific data science specializations such as healthcare analytics or bioinformatics tend to demand more competitive pay packages than their other counterparts.
• Work experience: The salaries of data scientists generally tend to increase with the level of seniority. Data Science managers, senior data scientists, or Machine Learning Engineers are likely to earn more than those in entry-level or mid-senior roles.
• Technological innovations: Cities that are pioneers in research and innovations in data science and analytics are in constant need of top industry talent to fill the specialized demand. This inevitably results in premium pay packages for professionals in these regions, such as San Francisco, London, and New York.

Future Salary Prospects for Data Science Professionals  

The consistent increase in demand for skilled data science professionals across several industries and cities reflects a positive trend in salary predictions. 

Data from 2024 suggests that the salary packages for data science professionals ranged between USD 87,000 and USD 160,000 per annum. These figures indicate a projected rise in salaries in 2025 and beyond too.

The average annual salary of Data Scientists is predicted to be in the approximate range of USD 95,000 and USD 230,000 per annum in 2025, as per recent research data. With the global landscape for data scientists appearing promising, competitive career opportunities and salaries are expected in the future.

How Can upGrad Help Boost Your Earning Potential in Data Science

Avail the booming prospects in the field of data science by leveraging the immense potential of upskilling in the domain. Gaining the desired expertise in top tools and technologies in data science can help professionals climb the corporate ladder. 

Online learning platforms such as upGrad help new and experienced data science professionals to enhance their knowledge and skills in the field. Through professional certifications and a wide array of free courses on Data Science, upGrad enables aspiring data scientists to land a dream job in their favorite high-paying city in the world.

Some of our most popular Data Science courses that can help boost your earning potential globally are as follows:

• MS in Data Science Degree
• Executive Diploma in Data Science & AI with IIIT-B
• Professional Certificate Program in AI and Data Science
• Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
• Business Analytics & Consulting with PwC India

Take the first step in learning Data Science online by availing one free personalized career counseling session with our experts. You can also visit an upGrad center near you for more details on our popular programs and certifications.  

Unlock the power of data with our popular Data Science courses, designed to make you proficient in analytics, machine learning, and big data!

Explore our Popular Data Science Courses

Elevate your career by learning essential Data Science skills such as statistical modeling, big data processing, predictive analytics, and SQL!

Top Data Science Skills to Learn

Stay informed and inspired with our popular Data Science articles, offering expert insights, trends, and practical tips for aspiring data professionals!

Read our popular Data Science Articles