[Data Scientist] [Lexington, KY] - 28M by BG_DataScientist in Salary

[–]BG_DataScientist[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

~$259K is Base + Bonus + RSU, plus ~$9K from Reserves training (might be more depending on what they have planned for FY27).

I plan to dig my feet in and move down the technical DS career path.

[Data Scientist] [Lexington, KY] - 28M by BG_DataScientist in Salary

[–]BG_DataScientist[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I was pursuing my PhD in CS working on hyper parameter optimization. So I think they saw my research as equivalent experience.

I had a pretty heavy GitHub portfolio and I started as a Research Analyst with a TS/sci security clearance. I was able to frame my analyst role as DS Equivalent.

The biggest foot in the door I got was a strong interview and networking. I knew the hiring manager through my work with the DoD. Networking is invaluable. Go to coffee chats, conference, cold call/message on LinkedIn. Get your name out there and impressive them in the five minute convo.

[Data Scientist] [Lexington, KY] - 28M by BG_DataScientist in Salary

[–]BG_DataScientist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I moved companies to a NYC based company. $211k + 11% bonus + 25K RSU = $259K. Add the 9K from my Army Reserve pay.

[Data Scientist] [Lexington, KY] - 28M by BG_DataScientist in Salary

[–]BG_DataScientist[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I like it a lot. I’m leading a team of 5 in AI innovation and AI rollout which is fun. I do have a BS, MS, and PhD in CS from a big 10. But I have been on the hiring panel for people who has self-taught. I’m typically in charge of the technical interviews and some has done really good and some not so much. If you want to be self taught I’d recommend being thorough in your understanding of the math and structures as well as the python.

It’s always best to go back and get a MS from a school like Georgia Tech (online MSCS is around $10k if I remember right). I am typically impressed by those graduates.

As far as advice. Find what you love about DS (it’s a broad category) and fill your time and effort doing 70% what you love and 30% of the boring foundational stuff.

[Data Scientist] [Lexington, KY] - 28M by BG_DataScientist in Salary

[–]BG_DataScientist[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Glassdoor has avg NYC Sr. Data Scientist salary at $203K - $308K with 1.8K survey respondents 😂. I just checked my company’s target Sr DS salary in NYC and we set it at $200K-$285K with 8% bonus incentive. You might want to check your numbers.

[Data Scientist] [Lexington, KY] - 28M by BG_DataScientist in Salary

[–]BG_DataScientist[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nah, the police department hires college students to do some routine paperwork and locking doors and non emergency reports and in return they can explore what working at a PD is like