Data Scientist salary: New York vs Singapore (2026)

New York pays Data Scientists 60% more than Singapore at the mid-level band — a median of $186k vs S$116k.

Estimates based on public benchmarks and modelled data. How we calculate →

Median salary gap
60%
New York wins by $69k/yr at mid-level
2026 · Gross annual base

New York

Higher pay
Median (mid-level)
$186k
Typical range (p25–p75)
$144k$240k
Senior median
$292k
Junior median
$103k

Singapore

Median (mid-level)
S$116k
Typical range (p25–p75)
S$91kS$149k
Senior median
S$182k
Junior median
S$66k

New York vs Singapore — the verdict

New York pays Data Scientists a median of $186k per year, around 60% more than Singapore's S$116k. That's roughly $69k of additional gross base pay every year for the same role at the mid-level band.

The premium narrows once you factor in cost of living, tax, and housing. Singapore often delivers stronger real purchasing power, especially for early-career professionals — and the local market is typically less competitive.

Use the CompVerdict offer checker below to test a specific offer against either city's market. A strong offer sits above the p75; a fair offer lands near the median; below p25 there's a clear case to negotiate.

Data Scientist salary by experience band

BandNew YorkSingaporeGap
Junior$103kS$66k57%
Mid-level$186kS$116k60%
Senior$292kS$182k61%

Medians shown. Gap is computed against the lower-paying city at each band.

Got an offer in either city?

Knowing the gap is step one. The real question is where your specific offer sits within New York's or Singapore's range. If your offer is in the bottom 30% for the role and city, there's a strong case to push back.

Use the CompVerdict tool to get your verdict instantly. No signup. You'll also get a ready-to-send negotiation script based on the local market.

Check an offer →

Frequently asked questions

Which city pays more for Data Scientists — New York or Singapore?

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New York pays more. The median Data Scientist salary in New York is $186k vs S$116k in Singapore — a 60% gap at the mid-level band. New York median is $186k; Singapore median is S$116k.

What's the salary gap between New York and Singapore for Data Scientists?

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At the mid-level (3–5 years experience) band, New York pays 60% more than Singapore for Data Scientists. The absolute difference is roughly $69k per year on the median. Junior and senior bands shift the gap slightly, but the direction is consistent.

Which is better for senior Data Scientists — New York or Singapore?

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Senior Data Scientists earn $292k median in New York vs S$182k in Singapore. New York maintains its lead at the senior band, often widening as total comp (equity, bonus) compounds with seniority. Singapore can still close the gap when you adjust for cost of living.

Are New York and Singapore salaries cost-of-living adjusted?

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No — these are gross annual base salary figures. New York typically has higher living costs alongside its higher pay. To see how either salary translates into rent affordability, use SpendVerdict; for savings potential, use PathVerdict. The headline gap of 60% narrows significantly once you adjust for housing, tax, and lifestyle costs.

Salary estimates are based on public benchmarks and modelled data. They represent gross annual base salary and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits. Read our methodology →