With the Internet and other technology quickly developing, technical professionals are in huge demand. One job field that’s included in this rapid growth is data science. With application in almost all industries, data science helps businesses collect and draw value from data, making data scientists valuable assets in companies. Continue reading to learn about some of the best jobs for data scientists.
What Is a Data Scientist?
A data scientist analyzes and interprets composite digital information. Combining their knack for mathematics and computer science, data scientists provide organizations with interesting, calculated insights. As a result, a data scientist’s work empowers companies to make more strategic business decisions.
As a data scientist, you must be curious and open-minded and have critical reasoning, statistical thinking, attentive, and excellent communication skills. These traits enable you to become successful in your day-to-day duties as you become involved in the technical and creative sides of a business.
Glassdoor reports data science as one of the top 6 careers with the best work-life balance. Thus, a great career awaits you if you enjoy applying algorithms, decoding data to identify patterns and trends, visualizing data, and innovating solutions.
What Jobs Are Available to Data Scientists?
Fortunately, data science roles are available in various fields. As such, many jobs are available to help you build your data science career. Whether you’re still studying, just starting, or already a seasoned professional, you can find employment opportunities in different industries. For instance, you can even work as a legal data analyst if you’re interested in law.
A data science job can either be office-based or remote. If commuting and having an office excites you, you can opt to take an office-based data science job. If you enjoy the freedom of remote work, you could opt to work as a freelance data scientist, choosing your preferred projects and working when and as it suits your schedule.
Companies That Hire Data Scientists
- Apple Inc. The company also offers different technology services unknown to many. Apple has expanded to spaces like cloud services and digital content. As such, it has job openings for data scientists in natural language processing, machine learning, and computer vision.
- Amazon. This company is known for its online enterprise selling a range of homeware, electronics, toys, and more. However, because Amazon is now also into web-based services like renting data storage and cloud computing, it’s looking for data scientists to fill in its open positions.
- Oracle. A computer technology company, Oracle is well-known for its software products like Java, which is a staple in the tech industry. This company also provides systems and database management and cloud engineering. That’s why it’s hiring more data scientists these days.
- Facebook. Boasting more than one billion users worldwide, Facebook continues to innovate new features and functions for its social networking site. With its recent announcement of its Metaverse evolution, Facebook currently has a lot of open positions for data scientists.
- Microsoft. Known for software like Windows and Office, Microsoft has been one of the founding companies of technology. It continues to sell software and hardware for computers and mobile and gaming systems. It has also expanded to various cloud services and needs talented professionals in data science.
10 Highest-Paying Jobs for Data Scientists
| Job Title | Average Salary | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Enterprise Architect | $151,689 | $199,500 |
| Big Data Architect | $151,496 | $194,500 |
| Data Architect | $132,617 | $177,000 |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $130,530 | $179,000 |
| Business Intelligence Developer | $101,527 | $136,500 |
| Statistician | $97,643 | $145,500 |
| Database Developer | $95,066 | $130,000 |
| Database Administrator | $86,833 | $122,500 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | $85,274 | $122,500 |
| Data Analyst | $67,294 | $103,000 |
Below are further details about the highest-paying jobs for data scientists, including what their daily roles are and how you can qualify for a position.
Enterprise Architect
Enterprise architects maintain a company’s IT networks and services, both software and hardware. They keep tabs on industry trends and technologies, products, and services that may improve a company’s systems. A college degree is usually required for this position. However, you can still become an enterprise architect by joining a bootcamp or a fast-track course.
Big Data Architect
These professionals use large sets of extracted raw and unorganized data to make it structured and insightful. Because it’s a highly specialized job, a big data architect needs a master’s degree related to data science. Some companies might be willing to offer an internship opportunity if you possess an undergraduate degree and some experience.
Data Architect
Data architects are senior experts that design and arrange a company’s data management structure. They manage the life cycle of data from collection and arrangement to storage. They also create data policies and security measures. While this role requires a degree, it’s possible to land a job with extensive experience in place of a degree.
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine learning engineers create programs and algorithms for machines to take action without being instructed. This engineering work equips computers with the capabilities to learn, so they can improve based on experience. For this, you’ll most likely need a bachelor’s degree. You may also start your career path to becoming a machine learning engineer by attending a bootcamp.
Business Intelligence Developer
This role uses data modeling methodologies to analyze information and develop data-driven solutions. They also work with other professionals, such as engineers and business managers, to achieve this. To be a business intelligence developer, you need a master’s degree. However, some company’s hire for an entry-level position if you have a bachelor’s degree.
Statistician
Statisticians use mathematical strategies, statistical analysis, and models to decipher real-world challenges. They use their analytical skills to work in various industries. Most statistician positions require you to have a master’s degree. However, a field-related bachelor’s degree may be sufficient for some entry-level roles. Others will also require you to have some experience.
Database Developer
Database developers create and manage overhauls of databases. They ensure that databases can effectively process large quantities of data. Hence, this role needs a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience is extremely important in this role. Entry-level skills that would be of value in this role include knowledge of database software, knowledge of Oracle RAC, and experience in adapting databases.
Database Administrator
Database administrators create and maintain databases to ensure accessibility. Typically, they also back up database systems and protect stored data. To secure a database administrator role, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree, especially to get high salaries. However, bootcamps for database administrators might help lead you to an entry-level position, giving you time to work on your bachelor’s degree.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Business intelligence analysts, also known as BI analysts, use data visualization and modeling methodologies to help companies draw important insights. To qualify for an entry-level business analyst position, most employers will require you to have a bachelor’s degree. Senior roles with higher salaries will need a master’s degree. You may also seek certification at a bootcamp to specialize in this role.
Data Analyst
Data analysts find solutions to the variables that businesses, governments, and organizations want answers to. They interpret data and reports to implement strategies based on analytics and insights. To be a data analyst, you’ll have to earn an undergraduate degree in data analytics or a related field. Gaining experience is also vital and can be acquired by doing an internship.
Tips for Finding Success as a Data Scientist
To succeed as a data scientist, you will need certain traits and skills. These will help you stay engaged and challenged in the relevant daily activities. Having a natural love for learning is also vital in this field due to the rapid growth of technologies in the market and the need to stay abreast of these advancements.
- Make problem-solving your best trait. When issues arise within data sets, data scientists are the first to spot and resolve them. Data scientists’ problem-solving skills are invaluable to prevent setbacks or income loss in any business. On top of this skill, you must also be inquisitive, creative, and a strong communicator.
- Consider getting a degree. Most data scientist roles require a degree of some sort. Opportunities would certainly become available to you with a degree. Thoroughly check the roles you are interested in and explore possible learning opportunities.
- Learn expert skills for data science. The technical skills that are vital to building a data scientist’s expertise are organizing data, statistics, data mapping, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualization. To help you fast-track acquiring these skills, you can learn them through a bootcamp program.
Jobs for Data Scientists Outlook
Getting into the tech industry is an excellent and clever career move as record-breaking growths are currently being experienced in the tech industry. The job outlook for computer and information scientists alone are at 22 percent from 2020-2030. Many companies are also expected to invest more money in artificial intelligence in years to come.
With this growth outlook in tech and a salary ranging from $66,000 to $130,000, a data scientist job can definitely provide a stable income for the foreseeable future. So if you want to jump into a data science career path, start now by improving your educational background either by getting a degree or enhancing your technical skills.
Best Jobs for Data Scientists FAQ
Can I get into data science without a degree?
Yes, becoming a data scientist without a degree is possible. Most professionals in this field have a degree, but you can study data science through coding bootcamps and online data science courses. However, it’s important to note that you will still need to have experience, which can be done by applying for an internship.
How can data scientists get a salary increase?
You can increase your salary by advancing your education by attending a bootcamp or enrolling in an advanced degree program, applying for a senior role, or changing industries.
Can I work remotely as a data scientist?
Yes, there are various listings on job boards seeking remote data scientists.
How many hours will I work as a data scientist?
Typically people in this field work around 40 hours per week, although some work longer hours depending on the project at hand or time of the year.
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