Quick Comparison
Data Scientist
$117,500
avg. annual salary
Data Scientist
pays more on average
Web Developer
$85,833
avg. annual salary
In the tech-driven job market, two highly sought-after roles are data scientists and web developers. Both professions offer lucrative salaries and diverse career opportunities but differ significantly in responsibilities, skillsets, and job environments. Data scientists use data analysis, statistics, and machine learning to derive insights and inform business decisions. In contrast, web developers focus on building and maintaining websites, ensuring functionality, and enhancing user experience. In this comparison, we will explore the average salaries, potential benefits, and career paths for both data scientists and web developers, helping you make an informed decision about your future career in tech.
Salary by Experience Level
Data Scientist Entry
$92,500
starting salary
Web Developer Entry
$67,500
starting salary
Salary Difference
$31,667
avg. difference (37%)
Average Salaries
As of 2025, the average salary for a data scientist is approximately $120,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting around $85,000 and senior-level roles reaching up to $160,000. On the other hand, web developers earn an average salary of $85,000, with entry-level positions at about $60,000 and senior positions up to $115,000.
Both roles offer competitive compensation, but data scientists typically command higher salaries due to their advanced skills in analytics and machine learning.
Benefits and Perks
Both data scientists and web developers enjoy a variety of benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible working hours. Data scientists often receive additional perks like professional development opportunities due to the technical nature of their work.
Web developers may benefit from creative projects and opportunities to collaborate on different aspects of technology. Also, remote work is prevalent in both fields, offering improved work-life balance.
Career Growth and Opportunities
Data scientists typically have strong career growth prospects, with opportunities to advance into roles like data engineer, machine learning engineer, or data analytics manager. On the other hand, web developers can specialize in front-end, back-end, or full-stack development and may advance to roles such as lead developer or software engineer.
Both career paths offer numerous possibilities for specialization and advancement, ensuring individuals can find their niche.