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Algorithm Scientist Salary in California

How much does an Algorithm Scientist make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Algorithm Scientist in California is $126,834 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): $148,052
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $116,277 to $137,940
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $106,666
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): $118,632
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $119,473
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $120,314
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $123,342
  • Expert (over 8 years): $128,685
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Algorithm Scientist less than 1 year $118,632
Early Career Level Algorithm Scientist 1-2 years $119,473
Mid-Level Level Algorithm Scientist 2-4 years $120,314
Senior-Level Level Algorithm Scientist 5-8 years $123,342
Expert Level Algorithm Scientist over 8 years $128,685

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: $127,317.
  • California: $126,834.
  • Massachusetts: $125,144.

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: $127,052
  • West Hollywood: $126,960
  • Dodgertown: $127,051

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 $152,201 $73.0 20%
Software & Networking $152,201 $73.0 20%
Internet $144,591 $70.0 14%
Aerospace & Defense $139,517 $67.0 10%
Construction $139,517 $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 September 01, 2026
$116,277
Average $126,834/year
$137,940
$9,690
Average $10,569/month
$11,495
$2,236
Average $2,439/week
$2,653
$56
Average $61/hour
$66
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $137,940 $11,495 $2,653 $66
Average $126,834 $10,569 $2,439 $61
25th Percentile $116,277 $9,690 $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.

  • L3Harris Technologies | KENDALLVILLE, IN

    Scientist Systems Engineering

    L3Harris Technologies | KENDALLVILLE, IN

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    5 Days Ago

  • L3Harris Technologies | GRABILL, IN

    Scientist Systems Engineering

    L3Harris Technologies | GRABILL, IN

    The ideal candidate for this position has extensive knowledge of EO/IR image / video processing techniques that can be implemented in low size, weight, and... more

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  • L3Harris Technologies | HAZELWOOD, IN

    Scientist Systems Engineering

    L3Harris Technologies | HAZELWOOD, IN

    The ideal candidate for this position has extensive knowledge of EO/IR image / video processing techniques that can be implemented in low size, weight, and... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Lilly | WEST INDIANAPOLIS, IN

    Senior Scientist

    Lilly | WEST INDIANAPOLIS, IN

    Lilly is seeking a Senior Scientist to drive innovative research in Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals. Based in Indianapolis, IN, you will design and execute... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Sonora Quest Laboratories | TORRINGTON, WY

    Medical Laboratory Scientist

    Sonora Quest Laboratories | TORRINGTON, WY

    Sonora Quest Laboratories is seeking a detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Scientist to perform high-quality diagnostic testing in our Laboratory Services d... more

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  • Essentia Health | NORTH RIVER, ND

    Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist

    Essentia Health | NORTH RIVER, ND

    Essentia Health is seeking a Medical Laboratory Technician or Scientist to perform accurate, timely diagnostic testing that supports high-quality, patient-... more

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Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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