Data Scientist
$116,389
avg. annual salary
Data Scientist
pays more on average
Web Developer
$111,116
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 utilize 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
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (5%)
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.
Salary by Experience Level
{"Web Developer":{"Mid Level":"$75,000 - $95,000","Entry Level":"$60,000 - $75,000","Senior Level":"$95,000 - $115,000"},"Data Scientist":{"Mid Level":"$100,000 - $130,000","Entry Level":"$85,000 - $100,000","Senior Level":"$130,000 - $160,000"}}
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. Additionally, 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.
Detailed Salary Comparison: Data Scientist vs Web Developer
### Quick overview
- •Typical U.S. base salary ranges:
- •Data Scientist: $85,000 (entry) → $140,000+ (mid) → $180,000–$250,000+ (senior/FAANG)
- •Web Developer: $45,000 (entry) → $70,000–$100,000 (mid) → $100,000–$140,000+ (senior)
### Where the differences come from
- •Employers pay data scientists more for advanced statistics, ML models, and business-impact proofs (e.g., improving churn by 5%).
- •Web developers command competitive pay for production-grade front-end/back-end work and frameworks like React or Node.
### Real-world examples
- •A mid-level data scientist in NYC averages about $20k–$40k more than a mid-level web developer in the same city.
- •Freelance rates: web devs $30–$120/hr; data scientists $60–$250/hr depending on domain expertise.
Actionable takeaway: If you want faster top-end pay, focus on ML/industry specialization; if you want quicker entry and steady demand, build full-stack web skills.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Between the Two
### Skill and education requirements
- •Data Scientist: often requires strong statistics, linear algebra, and Python libraries (pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow). A master’s or equivalent project experience boosts salary 10–30%.
- •Web Developer: focuses on HTML/CSS, JavaScript, frameworks (React, Vue), and back-end stacks (Node, Ruby, PHP). Bootcamps can place candidates quickly.
### Market demand and location
- •Tech hubs (SF, NYC, Boston) pay 20–40% above national averages. Remote roles can narrow that gap.
### Career trajectory and earning speed
- •Web devs can reach mid-level in 1–3 years; data scientists typically take 2–4 years to reach comparable pay due to heavier math/ML ramp-up.
### Other considerations
- •Equity and bonuses often matter more in data science at startups; web devs find steady contract work.
Actionable takeaway: Choose the path that matches your math comfort, desired timeline to higher pay, and willingness to pursue advanced degrees or niche industries.