East vs. West: The Coasts Still Lead AI & Data Science Pay:
The West Coast leads IC-2 pay in both cohorts—$151,461 for Data Scientists and $177,857 for AI Professionals—with the Northeast close behind. AI pay rose in every U.S. region (+12% to +21%; statistically significant in three of five), so demand for model-literate engineers isn’t confined to tech hubs. The regional spread is widest in AI: $49,221 between the West Coast and the Midwest at IC-2, versus $23,247 in data science.
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Women in AI & Data Science: Representation Thins With Seniority:
Women make up 24% of Data Scientists (26% in 2025) and 20% of AI Professionals (19%), and representation thins with seniority—from 42% of DS IC-1 to 17% of DS MG-3. In data science, a gap re-opened at the IC levels: women’s mean base trails men’s by 5% at IC-2 and 6% at IC-3 (statistically significant at IC-3). In AI, no gender difference is statistically significant at any level, and pay is close to parity at IC-2 and IC-3. With transparent data and intentional action, 2026 can be the year equity becomes an advantage.
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With a positive outlook ahead and growing educational trend towards the field, the 2024 Artificial Intelligence Index Report states, "women accounted for 24.1% of Computer Science PhD graduates in 2022–23 and 25.9% in 2023–24. Deloitte predicts the experimentation with and use of generative AI by women will reach or surpass that of men in the United States by the end of 2025, with parity likely to be achieved within the following year.
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Our 2026 Compensation Report shows that gender pay gaps in data science re-opened at the IC levels, while AI roles are close to parity. Forward-thinking organizations see this as an opportunity.
For hiring managers, addressing inequities isn’t just about fairness—it’s a competitive advantage. Women’s data science pay held flat year over year at IC-2 and IC-3 while men’s rose; a regular pay-equity review of offers and raises closes gaps before they compound, improves retention and strengthens your employer brand.
For talent, especially women in AI and Data Science, today’s market offers leverage. Senior builders are the scarcest seat, and 52% of data and AI managers negotiated and received a higher offer for their current role—bring market data to every conversation about pay and advancement.