Data Scientists

Overview

Data Scientists has a national median salary of $120,230 per year, with +34.6% projected job growth from 2025–2035. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation.

Description

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

Responsibilities

Tasks

• Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
• Create graphs, charts, or other visualizations to convey the results of data analysis using specialized software.
• Test, validate, and reformulate models to ensure accurate prediction of outcomes of interest.
• Deliver oral or written presentations of the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
• Recommend data-driven solutions to key stakeholders.

Work Activities

• Analyzing Data or Information
• Working with Computers
• Processing Information
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
• Getting Information
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
• Documenting/Recording Information
• Thinking Creatively

Detailed Work Activities

• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

T-A-S-K

Technology, Abilities, Skills & Knowledge

Education

Education Levels of Current Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a bachelor's degree as the typical education needed to enter this occupation. The chart below shows the highest level of education held by people already working in this field, ages 25 and older. It includes workers who earned more education than the job requires and workers who entered the field under earlier requirements, so the largest bar is not the entry requirement. For example, if someone finished a master's degree and then started working in this field, they are counted under “Master's degree” here, but the job itself typically asks for a bachelor's degree.

Certificates

Certifications applicable to Data Scientists:

Video Resources