Looking for the best cities for tech jobs or wondering where to work as a data scientist?
Our comprehensive analysis of over 1,000 job postings, combined with the latest market insights from Statista, reveals the best cities for data science careers in 2025.
This guide will help you navigate the global landscape of data science opportunities, whether you're just starting your career or looking to make your next big move.
Table of Contents
- The United States: Leading the Global Tech Scene
- Americas: Emerging Opportunities
- Tech Hubs in Europe: A Diverse Landscape
- Asia-Pacific: Rising Stars
- Key Considerations for Job Seekers
- How to Become a Data Scientist
- FAQs
The United States: Leading the Global Tech Scene
Approximate Average Data Scientist Salary by City
- San Francisco: \$180,000 - Tech Giants, Startups
- New York: \$160,000 - Fintech, Media
- Seattle: \$150,000 - Cloud Computing, E-commerce
- Boston: \$150,000 - Biotech, Research
- Chicago: \$140,000 - Various Tech Sectors
- Denver: \$140,000 - Various Tech Sectors
- Austin: \$140,000 - Tech, Innovation
- Washington DC: \$140,000 - Government, Defense
Note: Salaries are approximate and may vary based on experience, company size, and specific roles.
California remains the epicenter of tech innovation, hosting nearly 30% of all data science opportunities in the US. San Francisco leads with an impressive data scientist average salary of \$180,000, driven by the concentration of tech giants and innovative startups. The city's ecosystem provides unparalleled networking opportunities and exposure to cutting-edge technologies.
But there’s more to the story than Silicon Valley. New York offers competitive packages at \$160,000, while Boston and Seattle maintain similarly attractive compensation structures. These cities have developed unique specializations—New York excels in fintech and media, Boston in biotech and research, and Seattle in cloud computing and e-commerce. Among the top tech cities in the US, Washington DC also has emerged as a significant player, particularly in government and defense sectors.
Alongside these opportunities, here’s something else to keep in mind: The landscape of tech hubs in US is expanding beyond the usual spots. The cities with the most tech jobs now include Chicago, Denver, and Austin, all offering salaries exceeding \$140,000. These emerging tech hubs often provide a better work-life balance and lower cost of living compared to traditional tech centers.
Remote Work Trends and Impact
Now for the question on everyone’s mind: what about remote work?
The data science job market has evolved significantly. While remote positions have decreased slightly since the pandemic peak, they still make up 12% of data science roles.
The trend now, however, is hybrid work, with over 50% of US workers embracing this flexible model. This shift has profound implications for career choices, allowing professionals to access high-paying jobs while living in more affordable locations.
But what does this mean for your search? While remote positions are available, most companies are looking for hybrid arrangements. In other words, you might need to consider where to work as a data scientist if you're aiming for those top salaries.
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Americas: Emerging Opportunities
Approximate Average Data Scientist Salary by City
- Toronto: \$76,000 - AI Research, Fintech
- Vancouver: \$65,000 - Gaming, Clean Tech
- São Paulo: \$34,000 - Fintech, E-commerce
- Santiago: \$30,000 - Mining Tech, Fintech
- Montevideo: \$28,000 - Software Development, Agritech
- Buenos Aires: \$25,000 - E-commerce, Fintech
- Guadalajara: \$22,000 - Software Development, IoT
Note: Salaries are approximate and may vary based on experience, company size, and specific roles. Local cost of living should be considered when comparing salaries across different regions.
Among the fastest growing tech cities, Toronto stands out with data scientists earning around \$76,000. The city's multicultural environment and strong tech ecosystem make it particularly attractive for international talent. The Canadian government's supportive immigration policies for tech workers add to its appeal—making it a great choice for those wondering where to work as a data scientist.
In recent years, some of the best cities for tech jobs can be found in Latin America. São Paulo leads Brazil's tech sector, offering salaries between \$18,000-\$34,000. Cities like Santiago, Guadalajara, Buenos Aires, and Montevideo are also emerging as attractive alternatives, offering a favorable cost-of-living balance.
What makes the Americas special? You've got convenient US time zone alignment, strong English language skills, and growing tech education programs. With government support and increasing investment from global companies, it's an exciting region for data science careers.
Tech Hubs in Europe: A Diverse Landscape
Approximate Average Data Scientist Salary by City
- Zurich: $140,000 - Fintech, Pharmaceuticals
- Geneva: $130,000 - Banking, Pharmaceuticals
- London: $92,000 - Finance, AI Research
- Amsterdam: $85,000 - Tech Startups, E-commerce
- Berlin: $80,000 - Startups, AI Development
- Munich: $75,000 - Automotive, Tech Research
- Stockholm: $60,000 - Tech Innovation, Gaming
- Warsaw: $45,000 - IT Services, Finance
Note: Salaries are approximate and may vary based on experience, company size, and specific roles. Local tax rates and cost of living should be considered.
Now let’s move our guide to Europe, home of some of the best tech cities in the world.
Switzerland ranks among the best places to work data scientist, with average salaries reaching \$140,000, particularly in Geneva and Zurich's fintech and pharmaceutical sectors. The country's high quality of life and central European location make it an attractive destination for international talent.
Next up, London has maintained its place as one of the top cities for data scientists, offering around \$92,000 annually. Berlin and Munich are also rapidly evolving as major tech centers. The UK and German markets are particularly strong in artificial intelligence research and development, with numerous opportunities in both established companies and startups.
Here's an interesting development—Eastern Europe is seeing huge growth. Cities like Warsaw, Bucharest, and Sofia are attracting international companies. While Eastern European salaries are lower than in the West, the lower cost of living makes these locations quite attractive for many professionals—helping them join our list of best cities for tech jobs.
Data science jobs in Europe show interesting variations in work culture. The Netherlands leads in remote work adoption at 51.9%, followed by Sweden (45.3%) and Finland (42%). This progressive approach to work arrangements makes these countries particularly attractive for those seeking work-life balance.
Eastern European countries like Romania, Bulgaria, and Poland tend to keep things more traditional with office-based work, though this is changing as international companies bring their practices to these regions.
Asia-Pacific: Rising Stars
Approximate Average Data Scientist Salary by City
- Sydney: $85,000 - Financial Services, Healthcare
- Melbourne: $80,000 - Tech, Research
- Singapore: $80,000 - Finance, Tech Innovation
- Tokyo: $70,000 - Robotics, AI
- Seoul: $65,000 - Gaming, Electronics
- Bangalore: $45,000 - IT Services, Startups
- Mumbai: $40,000 - Finance, Tech Services
- Hyderabad: $38,000 - Software Development, IT
Note: Salaries are approximate and may vary based on experience, company size, and specific roles. Local cost of living should be considered when comparing salaries across different regions.
Among the biggest tech cities in the world, Tokyo offers data scientists salaries between \$50,000 to \$70,000. The city's focus on robotics and AI creates unique opportunities for specialists in these fields. Moreover, beyond Tokyo, cities like Osaka and Fukuoka are emerging as vibrant tech hubs.
Australia's best cities for data analysts include Sydney, leading with \$85,000, followed closely by Melbourne. Both cities offer a high quality of life and strong demand across various sectors, particularly in financial services and healthcare. The Australian tech scene benefits from strong connections to both Asian and Western markets.
India is rapidly gaining on the top cities for tech jobs, with its AI services market projected to reach \$17 billion by 2027. While salaries range from \$15,000 to \$45,000, the lower cost of living makes these roles particularly attractive for local professionals
Here are some of the best cities for tech jobs in India: Bangalore leads as the primary tech hub, with Mumbai, Hyderabad, and New Delhi developing specialized sectors. The country's massive talent pool and growing startup ecosystem make it an exciting market for career growth.
Key Considerations for Job Seekers
Now that we've explored these amazing cities, let's talk about what you should consider when applying.
When evaluating the best cities for data and AI jobs, consider these factors:
- Salary versus cost of living
- Remote work policies
- Industry concentration
- Career growth potential
- Work-life balance options
For newcomers to the field, consider cities with strong learning environments like Boston or Toronto. These locations offer excellent networking opportunities and educational resources. Mid-sized cities often provide a better balance of opportunities and competition for entry-level positions.
Experienced professionals might target high-paying markets like San Francisco, New York, or Switzerland. These locations offer not just higher salaries but also opportunities to work on cutting-edge projects and advance into leadership roles. Also, keep an eye on those booming markets in Europe and Asia if you're after leadership roles.
Becoming a Data Scientist
The best cities for data science careers continue to evolve in 2025. While big US tech hubs are still bringing the highest data scientist salaries, we're seeing amazing opportunities pop up all around the world!
With the rise of remote and hybrid work, data scientists now have unprecedented flexibility in choosing where to build their careers. Whether prioritizing salary, work-life balance, or career growth opportunities, you can find a location that matches your personal and professional goals.
We hope you found this guide to the best cities for tech jobs useful!
If you're ready to take your first step into this career, visit our learning platform. We offer courses and projects for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Our career tracks make learning easier by guiding you through essential skills step by step. Check out our website to get started!
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