Data Scientist Salary in Stuttgart (2026)
Data scientists in Stuttgart earn €60,000–€110,000 per year, with a median around €75,000. Stuttgart's data science market is powered by manufacturing and automotive data — the sheer volume of sensor data, production metrics, and connected vehicle telemetry creates demand for data scientists who can extract value from complex, messy, real-world datasets. Domain expertise in automotive or manufacturing commands a significant premium.
Key Facts
- Data scientists in Stuttgart earn €60K–€110K/year with a median of €75K
- Manufacturing and automotive domain knowledge commands a significant premium
- Bosch AI Center in Renningen is one of Europe's premier industrial AI labs
- Connected vehicle analytics and predictive maintenance are top use cases
- IG Metall contracts at OEMs add 15–25% in total compensation
Salary by Experience Level
- Junior (0–2 years): €48,000–€60,000
- Mid-level (3–5 years): €62,000–€82,000
- Senior (6+ years): €78,000–€110,000
The Automotive Data Science Premium
Berlin data scientists optimize click-through rates. Stuttgart data scientists optimize production lines, predict battery degradation, and analyze crash sensor data. This domain complexity pushes salaries above pure-software data science roles in other cities. A data scientist who understands predictive maintenance, connected vehicle analytics, or manufacturing quality control is significantly more valuable in Stuttgart than a generalist.
Tools & Skills Landscape
Stuttgart data science combines traditional ML (scikit-learn, XGBoost) with specialized domains: computer vision for quality inspection, time series analysis for sensor data, and NLP for engineering documentation. Python dominates, but R and MATLAB still appear in research contexts. Edge ML deployment on automotive hardware is an emerging skill.
Key Employers
Mercedes-Benz's data science teams (connected car analytics, autonomous driving perception), Bosch AI Center in Renningen (one of Europe's largest industrial AI labs), Porsche Digital (vehicle analytics, customer insights), and growing demand at Tier-1 suppliers like ZF and Continental for predictive maintenance and quality analytics.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize your value in Stuttgart, combine modern ML skills with automotive or manufacturing domain knowledge. Understanding sensor data, predictive maintenance, or connected vehicle analytics will set you apart. The Bosch AI Center is worth targeting for research-oriented work. German language skills matter more here than in Berlin — cross-functional work with manufacturing teams often happens in German.
Data Scientist Insights — Stuttgart
Data Scientist salaries in Stuttgart range from €60,000 to €110,000, a 67% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of €75,000 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
Stuttgart's cost of living index of 82/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the €75,000 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for data scientist in Stuttgart is anchored by employers like Mercedes-Benz, Bosch, and Porsche, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for data scientist in Stuttgart centers around expertise in Python, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the €110,000 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Senior Data Scientist or ML Engineer.
Related Roles in Stuttgart
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Data Engineer | Stuttgart | €72,000 - €110,000 | €84,000 |
| Data Engineer | Stuttgart | €55,000 - €98,000 | €70,000 |
| Senior Data Scientist | Stuttgart | €78,000 - €120,000 | €88,000 |
| ML Engineer | Stuttgart | €65,000 - €120,000 | €82,000 |
| Senior Software Engineer | Stuttgart | €80,000 - €125,000 | €92,000 |
| Senior ML Engineer |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average data scientist salary in Stuttgart?
Data scientists in Stuttgart earn €60,000–€110,000 per year, with a median of €75,000. Junior roles start at €48,000–€60,000, mid-level positions pay €62,000–€82,000, and senior data scientists with automotive or manufacturing domain expertise earn €78,000–€110,000.
What skills do data scientists need in Stuttgart?
Python, SQL, and machine learning fundamentals are essential. Stuttgart-specific skills include computer vision for quality inspection, time series analysis for sensor data, predictive maintenance modeling, and NLP for engineering documents. Understanding automotive data (vehicle telemetry, production metrics) is a strong differentiator.
Is Stuttgart or Berlin better for data science careers?
Berlin has more diverse roles (e-commerce, adtech, SaaS) and a larger English-speaking market. Stuttgart pays comparably and offers deeper specialization in automotive and manufacturing data science. If you want applied ML on real-world sensor and production data, Stuttgart is exceptional. For breadth and startup culture, Berlin wins.
Do I need a PhD for data science roles in Stuttgart?
Not for most roles. A Master's in a quantitative field is sufficient for OEM and supplier positions. PhDs are preferred at Bosch AI Center, Mercedes-Benz research teams, and academic-adjacent roles. Strong practical skills in ML deployment and manufacturing domain knowledge matter more than academic credentials at most employers.
How are data science teams structured at Stuttgart OEMs?
Large OEMs typically have central data science/AI teams plus embedded data scientists in business units (manufacturing, quality, connected car, autonomous driving). You may work on both greenfield ML projects and integration with production systems. Teams use Python, sometimes MATLAB/R, with growing adoption of MLOps tools. German language skills help significantly for cross-functional collaboration.
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