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Data Scientist Salary in Roanoke, VA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Roanoke's cost of living (index: 88). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Data Scientist Salary in Roanoke β€” Key Numbers

$99,079
Median Salary
$72,653
25th Percentile
$132,475
75th Percentile
$167,666
90th Percentile
National median (Data Scientist)$112,590
vs. National median-12.0%
Roanoke median household income$55,800
vs. City household income+77.6%

Cost of Living in Roanoke

Cost of Living Index
88(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$950/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio11.5%
Annual rent cost$11,400
Median Home Price$215,000
Home Price / Salary2.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$43,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.2 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Roanoke

3.6%
Unemployment Rate
320,000
Metro Population
22 min
Avg Commute
39.5
Median Age

Roanoke has a metro population of 320,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.6% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Data Scientist Salary β€” Other Virginia Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Data Scientist make in Roanoke, VA?

The estimated median salary for a Data Scientist in Roanoke is $99,079 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $112,590 adjusted by Roanoke's cost of living index (88). The typical salary range runs from $72,653 (25th percentile) to $132,475 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $167,666.

Is Roanoke affordable for a Data Scientist?

On a $99,079 annual salary, a Data Scientist in Roanoke would spend approximately 11.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($950/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Roanoke relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $215,000 is 2.2Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Data Scientist's salary compare to Roanoke's overall income?

Roanoke's median household income is $55,800. A Data Scientist earning the city-adjusted median of $99,079 earns 77.6% more than the typical Roanoke household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.