Junior Data Scientist Salary

Data scientists are analysts who manage large volumes of data. In the information age, data is gold. The tech industry uses vast quantities of information for a wide range of tasks, such as machine learning and statistical monitoring.  Such functions are vital for businesses and government agencies.

These professionals earn handsome starting salaries for their essential work, as a company’s well-being can depend on it.  At their roots, data scientists are specialized programmers with excellent coding skills. In this article, we’ll show you what an entry-level junior data scientist can expect to earn and how to become one fast.

Data Scientist Job Description

Data scientists must develop a strong coding skill set with statistical languages like Python, SQL, and R. While a thorough understanding of mathematics is helpful, much of it is learned on the job. Data science relies heavily on statistics, so these experts regularly deal with numbers. These programmers are keen problem solvers, and they’re always willing to learn new things.  

Junior data scientist jobs typically involve the following tasks:

• Coding
• Creating and maintaining data architectures
• Working on machine learning
• Developing new programs
• Managing massive data sets
• Analyzing and interpreting information patterns

Data science is an engaging career for many people, and beginners often enjoy hefty starting salaries.  Next, we’ll go over what you can expect to earn as a junior data scientist.

Jr Data Scientist Salary

In the United States, the average salary for all data scientists is $113,436.  This includes a mixture of both junior and senior positions, but it’s well above the national average for most other job paths.  In this career, salary depends heavily on experience. Just a few years of work history in this field can have an enormous effect on salary.  

Junior data scientists have between zero and five years of experience, and their pay depends on a few factors. For example, entry-level candidates in California can expect to earn more (on average) than in rural Arkansas, but individual companies also vary.  The national average salary for junior data scientists ranges between $50,000 and $95,000.

Job growth in the field is explosive.  As the popularity of artificial intelligence grows, the tech industry is predicted to need thousands of these professionals every year.  By 2026, government labor statistics predict a growth rate of 19%, which is far more than the national average for all positions.  Data science is an excellent bet for a long-term career path.

Junior data scientists still earn a fantastic starting salary, and annual raises are likely.  With a few years of experience, they can make a salary upwards of $150,000.  Unlike some other professions, salaries in this field vary significantly from company to company.  Thankfully, high demand forces many companies to offer excellent starting salaries to remain competitive.

How to Become a Data Scientist

Data scientists used to only come from college programs, usually specializing in mathematics, statistics, or computing.  These days, colleges can’t keep up with demand, so numerous coding bootcamps sprung up to help.  Coding bootcamp isn’t college; these programs last between three and 18 months, depending on whether you choose full- or part-time.  They’re available online or in-person, with significant financial incentives like income sharing agreements.  

Additionally, scholarships are available to qualified candidates. A coding bootcamp will set you up for success as a data scientist faster and cheaper than college can, plus you’ll graduate with an impressive portfolio.  At Career Karma, we’re pretty well versed in the subject.

If you’ve already gone to college, that’s fine; a degree isn’t a bad thing.  If you haven’t, there’s no need to worry. With a great community, a coding bootcamp, and some grit, anybody can become a junior data scientist and take advantage of the high starting salary.