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Algorithm Scientist Salary in California

How much does an Algorithm Scientist make in California? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Algorithm Scientist in California is $126,823 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.

However, an Algorithm Scientist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $148,028
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $116,265 to $137,922
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $106,653
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Algorithm Scientist Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Algorithm Scientist Salaries

An Algorithm Scientist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Algorithm Scientist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Algorithm Scientist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $118,620
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $119,462
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $120,303
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $123,332
  • Expert (over 8 years): $128,673
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Algorithm Scientist less than 1 year $118,620
Early Career Level Algorithm Scientist 1-2 years $119,462
Mid-Level Level Algorithm Scientist 2-4 years $120,303
Senior-Level Level Algorithm Scientist 5-8 years $123,332
Expert Level Algorithm Scientist over 8 years $128,673

How Do Algorithm Scientist Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Algorithm Scientists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $127,306.
  • California: $126,823.
  • Massachusetts: $125,133.

Top Paying Cities for Algorithm Scientist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $127,041
  • West Hollywood: $126,949
  • Dodgertown: $127,040

Algorithm Scientist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Algorithm Scientist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Algorithm Scientist positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Algorithm Scientist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Algorithm Scientist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals $152,188 $73.0 20%
Software & Networking $152,188 $73.0 20%
Internet $144,578 $70.0 14%
Aerospace & Defense $139,505 $67.0 10%
Construction $139,505 $67.0 10%

Algorithm Scientist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Algorithm Scientist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$116,265
Average $126,823/year
$137,922
$9,689
Average $10,569/month
$11,494
$2,236
Average $2,439/week
$2,652
$56
Average $61/hour
$66
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $137,922 $11,494 $2,652 $66
Average $126,823 $10,569 $2,439 $61
25th Percentile $116,265 $9,689 $2,236 $56

Find Your Next Algorithm Scientist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Algorithm Scientist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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