Data Scientist vs Software Developer
Salary, Growth & Career Comparison
$108,020 vs $133,080 • 36% vs 15% growth
💰 $108,020
📈 36% growth
🤖 AI Risk: Moderate (58/100)
🎓 Master's Degree
🔥 High Growth💰 $133,080
📈 15% growth
🤖 AI Risk: Moderate (48/100)
🎓 Bachelor's Degree
🔥 High Growth📊 Head-to-Head Comparison
💰 Salary Range
Data Scientist
Low: $65,000
Median: $108,020
High: $185,000
Software Developer
Low: $75,000
Median: $133,080
High: $200,000
📚 Recommended AP Courses
Data Scientist
Software Developer
🎓 Related Majors
Data Scientist
Software Developer
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Which pays more: Data Scientist or Software Developer?
Software Developer has a higher median salary. Data Scientist earns $108,020 while Software Developer earns $133,080.
Is Data Scientist or Software Developer growing faster?
Data Scientist has higher projected growth at 36% compared to 15%.
Which is safer from AI automation?
Software Developer is more AI-resistant with a risk score of 48/100 vs 58/100.
🏆 The Verdict
Choose Data Scientist if you want faster career growth. Median salary: $108,020.
Choose Software Developer if you prioritize higher earning potential and value AI-proof job security. Median salary: $133,080.
Data from Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET. Updated March 2026.
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