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Insights/Rates/Head of Data Science

Fractional rate benchmark

Fractional Head of Data Science Benchmarks

Explore fractional Head of Data Science benchmarks, including average hourly rates, pay range percentiles, and market demand signals. Average rate: $225/hr.

Average hourly rate

$225/hrMedian $220/hr

The average of observed fractional rates across demand and supply signals.

25th-75th percentile

$200-$300/hr

The middle 50% of observed rates — a realistic budgeting range for most engagements.

Job ratio

0.03-50%

Open jobs per available fractional candidate. Higher means more companies competing for each leader.

Job posts

1

Posted in the last 90 days.

There are no recent open jobs for fractional Head of Data Science right now.

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Head of Data Science Rate Distribution
See the full spread of fractional Head of Data Science hourly rates, from the low end to the high end of the market, not just the average.

$90-120

10% of samples

$120-150

10% of samples

$150-180

2% of samples

$180-210

20% of samples

$210-240

10% of samples

$225

$240-270

20% of samples

$270-300

0% of samples

$300-330

29% of samples

$330-360

0% of samples

$90$360

25th percentile

$200/hr

Average rate

$225/hr

$468,000/yr equivalent

75th percentile

$300/hr

Offered vs. Asking Rates
Compare what companies pay fractional Head of Data Science talent with what candidates ask, so you can set a budget that wins the hire.

Employer offers

$150/hr

25th–75th: $150/hr – $150/hr

Average hourly rate posted in live fractional job listings.

Talent asks

$227/hr

25th–75th: $200/hr – $300/hr

Average hourly rate fractional candidates set on their profile.

Talent asks $77/hr more than employers post on average — negotiation room sits in the gap.

Typical Engagement Scope
See how many hours a week companies hire a fractional Head of Data Science for, the estimated retainer, and how that compares to a full-time role.
23hrs / week (average)
Typical fractional scopeFull-time · 40 hrs

≈ 57% of a full-time week

~2.9

days / week

57%

of full-time

1,196

hrs / year

$20,700

estimated / mo

from $18,400

starting retainer / mo

A typical fractional Head of Data Science engagement is scoped at roughly 23 hours a week — senior leadership on a part-time cadence rather than a full-time hire. Estimated monthly retainers use $225/hr and a four-week month.

Work Model Distribution
See how fractional Head of Data Science jobs split across remote, hybrid, and on-site work over the last 90 days.
100%Remote
  • Remote

    Fully distributed

    100%

Remote-leaning role — geography rarely limits the talent pool here.

How Much Does a Fractional Head of Data Science Cost?

Based on current Go Fractional benchmark signals for all locations, the average fractional Head of Data Science rate is $225/hr, or roughly $468,000 per year at 40 hours per week.

The middle range runs from $200/hr at the 25th percentile to $300/hr at the 75th percentile. That spread reflects seniority, operating scope, company stage, and whether the engagement is advisory, embedded, or interim.

Demand for fractional Head of Data Science is falling sharply compared with the prior 90 days, and a typical engagement runs about 23 hours per week — part-time senior leadership rather than a full-time hire.

About Our Data
Built from real-time signals across the fractional market.

We analyze public hiring activity and pay rates for job postings over the last 90 days to provide a comprehensive view of the fractional market. Benchmarks are only published when there's sufficient data to ensure accuracy.

Window
Last 90 days, rolling
Demand
Public fractional job posts
Supply
Active candidate profiles + live Go Fractional engagements
What Affects Fractional Head of Data Science Rates?
  • Scope of ownership

    Company-wide leadership and board-facing work typically commands higher rates than narrow execution support.

  • Stage and urgency

    Interim leadership, turnaround work, and fundraising moments tend to raise willingness to pay.

  • Location expectations

    Remote-first work broadens the talent pool, while location-specific roles can show tighter supply.

  • Depth of specialization

    Technical, regulated, or highly verticalized experience can push a fractional leader above the market average.

Related Fractional Roles
Other fractional roles in the same category, ranked by 90-day demand.
  • Chief AI Officer

    $195/hr average

  • Lead AI Engineer

    $170/hr average

  • Data Architect

    $178/hr average

  • Chief Data Officer

    $201/hr average

  • Senior Data Engineer

    $150/hr average

  • Director of Business Intelligence

    $184/hr average

Related reading

Learn more about hiring a Fractional Head of Data Science

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What a Chief Data Officer does, key responsibilities, skills, and salary. Plus how to hire a CDO (full-time or fractional).

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Employer offers

$150/hr

25th–75th: $150/hr – $150/hr

Average hourly rate posted in live fractional job listings.

Talent asks

$227/hr

25th–75th: $200/hr – $300/hr

Average hourly rate fractional candidates set on their profile.

Talent asks $77/hr more than employers post on average — negotiation room sits in the gap.

Unlock Offered vs. Asking Rates

$90-120

10% of samples

$120-150

10% of samples

$150-180

2% of samples

Unlock the Full Head of Data Science Rate Breakdown

23hrs / week (average)
Typical fractional scopeFull-time · 40 hrs

≈ 57% of a full-time week

~2.9

days / week

57%

of full-time

1,196

hrs / year

$20,700

estimated / mo

from $18,400

starting retainer / mo

A typical fractional Head of Data Science engagement is scoped at roughly 23 hours a week — senior leadership on a part-time cadence rather than a full-time hire. Estimated monthly retainers use $225/hr and a four-week month.

Unlock Typical Engagement Scope

100%Remote
  • Remote

    Fully distributed

    100%

Remote-leaning role — geography rarely limits the talent pool here.

Unlock Work Model Distribution

$180-210

20% of samples

$210-240

10% of samples

$225

$240-270

20% of samples

$270-300

0% of samples

$300-330

29% of samples

$330-360

0% of samples

$90$360

25th percentile

$200/hr

Average rate

$225/hr

$468,000/yr equivalent

75th percentile

$300/hr