Data scientists
SOC Code: 15-2051Also known as:
Analytics Consultant, Applied Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Analytic Scientist, Data Analytics Manager
Median Annual Salary
$112,590
+33.5% growth (2024-2034)
23K
Openings/Year
246K
Current Jobs
What Data scientists Do
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.
💰 Salary
$112,590
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+33.5%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
23K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
245,900
Projected Employment (2034)
328,300
Related Careers
Natural sciences managers
$161,180 •
+3.7% growth
Computer systems analysts
$103,790 •
+8.7% growth
Statisticians
$103,300 •
+8.5% growth
Data scientists
$112,590 •
+33.5% growth
Statistical assistants
$51,440 •
-2.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Generate standard or custom reports summarizing business, financial, or economic data for review by executives, managers, clients, and other stakeholders.
- Maintain or update business intelligence tools, databases, dashboards, systems, or methods.
- Manage timely flow of business intelligence information to users.
- Provide technical support for existing reports, dashboards, or other tools.
- Identify and analyze industry or geographic trends with business strategy implications.
- Document specifications for business intelligence or information technology reports, dashboards, or other outputs.
- Create business intelligence tools or systems, including design of related databases, spreadsheets, or outputs.
- Collect business intelligence data from available industry reports, public information, field reports, or purchased sources.
- Disseminate information regarding tools, reports, or metadata enhancements.
- Conduct or coordinate tests to ensure that intelligence is consistent with defined needs.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Data scientists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a data scientists:
Computer Science
79,857 degrees awarded •
1,001 colleges offer this program
Information Technology
42,322 degrees awarded •
668 colleges offer this program
Management Science
34,245 degrees awarded •
348 colleges offer this program
Mathematics, General
25,163 degrees awarded •
1,305 colleges offer this program
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
22,727 degrees awarded •
298 colleges offer this program
Business Analytics
9,273 degrees awarded •
172 colleges offer this program
Statistics, General
7,709 degrees awarded •
202 colleges offer this program
Data Science, General
7,668 degrees awarded •
243 colleges offer this program
Business Statistics
5,396 degrees awarded •
96 colleges offer this program
Financial Mathematics
5,335 degrees awarded •
118 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Data scientists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become data scientists.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do data scientists make?
The median annual salary for data scientists is $112,590.
What education do data scientists need?
Most data scientists positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Computer Science, Information Technology, Management Science.
Is becoming data scientists a good career choice?
Data scientists is projected to see +33.5% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 23,400 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for data scientists?
Top colleges for aspiring data scientists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of Southern California, New York University, University of Chicago.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to data scientists?
Data scientists may also be known as: Analytics Consultant, Applied Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Analytic Scientist, Data Analytics Manager, Data Analytics Scientist, Data Analytics Specialist, Data Architect, Data Consultant, Data Economist, Data Engineer, Data Management Scientist, Data Mining Analyst, Data Modeler, Data Quality Analyst, Data Science Engineer, Data Science Intern, Data Scientist, Data Specialist, Data Visualization Developer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.