And how much I made my first year
Congratulations, you have landed a data science position!
You open your offer letter and …
Well, you’re a bit disappointed.
This is completely normal, at least for most companies, and especially if you are a junior or just starting out in the field. The data science dream you’re sold (at least in the US) includes a six figure salary straight out of college with no experience and often times the reality can be quite different.
What determines a salary
Salaries for any position are mainly determined by a few factors, some of which are out of your control:
- The company itself
- Geographical region (country, state, city)
- Your level of experience
- Your education level (Bachelors, Masters, PhD)
- Current market conditions
Other things that might factor into your salary (although probably on a smaller level) are certain skills or certifications that you possess. Depending on how relevant these skills are to the position, they could give you the upper hand when it comes to negotiations.
