BMS Senior Data Scientist comp breakdown, 2026

contractor_kai · 4 replies

Just got an offer from BMS for a Senior Data Scientist role (oncology, Princeton NJ hub, hybrid 3 days on site). Sharing numbers because I couldn't find much specific to their data org.

Base: $148,000 Annual bonus target: 15% of base (paid based on company + individual performance, usually close to target from what I could find) Equity: RSUs, roughly $30k over 4 years, which is modest but real Signing bonus: $15,000 (had to ask, first offer didn't include it)

Benefits were genuinely strong. Pension-style retirement matching, good health plan, 4 weeks PTO to start.

I was coming out of a contractor situation so the total package math took some adjustment. The base is lower than comparable tech roles but the benefits load and stability close more of the gap than I expected. Negotiated base up from $138k and got the signing added.

FYI they did check references before extending the written offer, which took an extra week.

4 replies

numbers_only

Useful. $148k base for Sr DS in NJ pharma is mid-range for the sector. Big pharma (Pfizer, J&J, Merck) is in the same band. The 15% bonus is real money if the company hits targets. Total comp is probably around $195k all-in if you hit target bonus and amortize the signing. That's below FAANG DS but above most mid-market tech.

intl_isla

Is BMS sponsoring H1B for that level right now? I've heard some pharma companies have gotten more cautious on visa sponsorship even for technical roles.

contractor_kai

I'm a citizen so I can't speak to that from experience. But I do remember the job posting saying 'visa sponsorship available for this role' which usually means H1B. I'd confirm with the recruiter explicitly early, don't wait.

veteran_vance

Good to know they respond to negotiation. Signing bonus tip is solid. I've seen people leave 10-15k on the table because they didn't ask. You always ask.