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Data Scientist Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SOSi

Data Scientist

Myrtle Point, OR

SOSi is seeking a Data Scientist to support mission requirements for a structured approach to ... The contractor shall develop and refine predictive models, conduct exploratory data analysis, and ...

SOSi

Data Scientist

OR

SOSi is seeking a Data Scientist to support mission requirements for a structured approach to ... The contractor shall develop and refine predictive models, conduct exploratory data analysis, and ...

SOSi

Data Scientist

OR · On-site +1

SOSi is seeking a Data Scientist to support mission requirements for a structured approach to ... The contractor shall develop and refine predictive models, conduct exploratory data analysis, and ...

Contemporaries

Be Seen First

Data Scientist

Durham, NC · Remote

$51 - $58/hr

Contemporaries Inc. is a government contracting firm supporting the National Institutes of Health in their efforts to hire a Data Scientist to support environmental health and extreme weather ...

Sphinx LLC

Data Scientist

Quantico, VA · Remote

$150K - $225K/yr

... Contracting, Defense Industrial Base, and Private Sector. We are comprised of 90% Veteran staff and ... Data Scientist Sphinx Data Scientists provide an array of data analytics, engineering, mining, and ...

Steampunk

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA

$125K - $160K/yr

The Data Scientist will contribute to the full lifecycle of model development, from data ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Steampunk

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA

$125K - $160K/yr

The Data Scientist will contribute to the full lifecycle of model development, from data ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Kepora

Data Scientist

Potomac, MD

NO The Contractor shall work closely with the Sponsor’s data scientists and technical team to implement requirements; however, the Sponsor’s GTM will manage the priorities. • The ...

Steampunk

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA

$125K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a Data Scientist to design, build, and deliver predictive analytics, machine ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Steampunk

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

We are seeking a Data Scientist to design, build, and deliver predictive analytics, machine ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Steampunk

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

The Data Scientist will contribute to the full lifecycle of model development, from data ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

Steampunk

Data Scientist

Mclean, VA · On-site

$125K - $160K/yr

The Data Scientist will contribute to the full lifecycle of model development, from data ... Steampunk is a Change Agent in the Federal contracting industry, bringing new thinking to clients ...

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Data Scientist Contractor information

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$46K

$165K

$243.5K

How much do data scientist contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for data scientist contractor in the United States is $165,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $133,500.00 and $170,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract data scientist?

A contract data scientist is a professional hired on a temporary basis to analyze data, develop models, and provide insights for a specific project or period. They typically work with tools like Python, R, or SQL and may need to adapt quickly to different teams or environments. Contract roles often have defined durations and may require relevant experience and technical skills.

What is the highest paying contractor job?

The highest paying contractor jobs for data scientists typically include senior or specialized roles such as machine learning engineer, AI researcher, or data science consultant, often earning six-figure salaries. These roles require advanced skills in programming, statistical analysis, and experience with tools like Python, R, or cloud platforms, and may involve working on complex projects or in high-demand industries like finance or technology.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Data Scientist Contractor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Scientist Contractor, you need strong analytical abilities, proficiency in statistical modeling, and a solid background in mathematics, computer science, or a related field. Expertise with programming languages such as Python or R, experience using data visualization tools, and familiarity with cloud platforms or big data frameworks are typically required, along with certifications like AWS Certified Data Analytics or Google Professional Data Engineer. Outstanding problem-solving skills, adaptability, and effective communication set top contractors apart, enabling them to translate complex data into actionable insights for clients. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering impactful, timely solutions and building client trust in dynamic project environments.

What are Data Scientist Contractors?

Data Scientist Contractors are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to analyze and interpret complex data, build predictive models, and provide actionable insights for organizations. Unlike full-time employees, contractors typically work for a defined period or on specific projects, often bringing specialized expertise. They may help with data cleaning, statistical analysis, machine learning, and data visualization, adapting quickly to different business environments. Hiring a contractor allows companies to access advanced analytical skills without committing to permanent employment.

Is 40 too late for data science?

Data scientists can enter the field at any age, including 40 or older, as skills in programming, statistics, and machine learning are more important than age. Many professionals successfully transition into data science later in their careers by gaining relevant certifications and experience with tools like Python or R.

What is the difference between Data Scientist Contractor vs Data Analyst Contractor?

AspectData Scientist ContractorData Analyst Contractor
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Data Science, Statistics, or related field; experience with machine learning and programming languages like Python or RBachelor's in Statistics, Mathematics, or related field; proficiency in SQL, Excel, and data visualization tools
Work EnvironmentProject-based, often remote or on-site, working on complex data modeling and predictive analyticsProject-based or ongoing, typically in office or remote, focusing on data cleaning, reporting, and visualization
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, finance, healthcare, consulting firmsRetail, marketing, finance, healthcare, and other industries requiring data reporting

In summary, Data Scientist Contractors focus on advanced analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling, requiring more specialized skills and credentials. Data Analyst Contractors primarily handle data reporting, visualization, and basic analysis. Both roles are project-based and often remote, but differ in complexity and technical requirements.

How does a Data Scientist Contractor typically integrate with existing teams and projects?

As a Data Scientist Contractor, you are often brought in to address specific project needs or to provide specialized expertise that the existing team may lack. You will usually collaborate closely with full-time data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders, contributing to ongoing projects or initiating new analyses. Effective communication and adaptability are key, as contractors need to quickly understand project goals, integrate with established workflows, and deliver actionable insights within set timelines. This role offers exposure to diverse projects and can help expand your professional network, but may also require rapid onboarding and self-directed learning.

What is the 80 20 rule in data science?

In data science, the 80/20 rule, also known as the Pareto principle, suggests that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of the efforts or features. Data scientists often use this concept to focus on the most impactful variables or tasks to optimize model performance and efficiency.
More about Data Scientist Contractor jobs
What cities are hiring for Data Scientist Contractor jobs? Cities with the most Data Scientist Contractor job openings:
What job categories do people searching Data Scientist Contractor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Data Scientist Contractor jobs are:
Data Scientist Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Data Scientist Contractor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 78% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $165,018 per year, or $79.3 per hour.

Data Scientist Contractor

HCM Staffing and Consulting

Raleigh, NC • On-site

Other

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

As a Data Scientist Contractor, you will analyze complex data sets to extract meaningful insights and support data-driven decision-making.Collect, process, and analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights.Develop and implement machine learning models and algorithms to solve business problems.Create data visualizations and dashboards to communicate findings to stakeholders.Collaborate with project teams to understand data requirements and deliver relevant analytical solutions.Ensure data accuracy and integrity by performing data validation and quality checks.
Primary Skill Required for the Role:


Level Required for Primary Skill:
Advanced (6-9 years experience)


Additional Skills Requested for Role:

DATA ANALYTICS - ADVANCED STATISTICAL ANALYSIS & MODELING Advanced (6-9 years experience) Required

DATA ANALYTICS - DATA VISUALIZATION Advanced (6-9 years experience) Required


Additional Details for Role:

3 days in client office
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
10+ years of demonstrated experience in an Analytics and Strategy role.
Strong business acumen and the ability to think strategically and operationally.
Be a self-starter, driven, accountable and a high-energy team player.
Proven experience being a thought partner to cross-functional business teams offering actionable data insights and recommendations.
Demonstrated ability to influence without authority.
Excellent communication skills able to distill complex analysis into simple, compelling narratives. Background in consulting or customer-facing, fast-paced analytical environment.
Expertise with SQL, R or Python and data visualization tools such as Tableau for full-stack data analysis, insight synthesis and presentation.
Knowledge of and experience in leveraging Applied Statistical/ML techniques.
Bachelor's degree in Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Econometrics, or Applied Social Sciences.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
15+ years of demonstrated experience in an Analytics and Strategy role, preferably in the payments/fintech domain.
Ability to understand ambiguous and complex problems and design and execute analytical approaches and turn analysis into clear and concise takeaways that drive action.
Track record of leading organization-wide strategic initiatives or transformative analytics projects.
Master's degree in Economics, Finance, Statistics, Mathematics, Econometrics, or Applied Social Sciences.

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