Data science is an evolving field and will continue to change as artificial intelligence-driven technologies develop. Data scientists may take advantage of ever-growing career opportunities in industries as diverse as aerospace, mining, tourism, and financial services.
Best data scientist jobs
To rank the best data scientist careers, we assessed roles based on salary, projected growth, remote work opportunities, and work-life balance. The criteria that we weighted the most heavily were salary and work-life balance.
How much money can you make in data science?
The BLS reports the median annual wage for data scientists was $103,930 as of May 2020. Salaries may range from $52,950 to $165,230 depending on location, industry, prior experience, schooling level, and other factors. Alternate job titles:Computer research scientist, machine learning engineer, distributed systems engineer Good fit for:
Neural network back-propagation expertsCustom machine learning codersApplication programming interface buildersData storage supervisorsSoftware developers with solid data science principles
Machine learning scientists concentrate on predictive modeling and machine learning algorithms to create neural networks. They can develop findings from massive data sets. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) reports the median annual wage for computer research scientists was $126,830 as of May 2020. Alternate job titles:Artificial application engineer, data scientist Good fit for:
Coders Software developersAlgorithm developers and designersMachine learning algorithm expertsMassive data set managersDatabase experts
Machine learning engineers develop software to enhance machine learning applications while advancing data science. Job duties include writing code and interpreting large data collection sets. Machine learning engineers focus on computer vision, model training, and software development. Professionals earn an average of $112,356 annually as of November 2021. Alternate job titles:Technical architect, software architect, systems architect Good fit for:
System monitorsTeam motivatorsMentoring developersPeople who can balance operational work, programming, and strategic performance tasks
Application architects develop and analyze software projects, monitoring each step of the development process. They also evaluate their employer’s software usage. The average salary for an application architect is $117,767 as of November 2021. Alternate job titles: Data analyst, Hadoop engineer, data manager Good fit for:
Team collaboratorsProblem-solversData analystsTechnical and non-technical fluent communicators Data visualization expertMachine learning and artificial intelligence expert
Data scientists draw from behavioral, computer science, and math disciplines to analyze data. These professionals collect, organize, and analyze raw data while problem-solving and reporting findings. The BLS reports the median annual wage for data scientists was $98,230 in May 2020. Alternate job titles:Data architect, data science software engineer, data warehouse engineer Good fit for:
Algorithm developerTeam collaboratorDatabase pipeline architect builderData analysis tool creatorData governance and security policy compliance officer
Data engineers develop and build data collection, storage, and analysis systems. These industry professionals assist organizations in storing data before distributing it to data scientists and analysts. Data engineers also organize and quality-control data to increase its accessibility for the organization. The average salary for a data engineer is $92,632 as of November 2021. Alternate job titles:Data analysts, actuary, biostatistician Good fit for:
Problem-solversData collection plan designersSummarization expertsVisualization expertsData skills expertsComputer programming professionals
Statisticians integrate science and data to inform decisions. Their responsibilities include data collection procedures, experimental design, data interpretation and analyses, and recording conclusions. Statisticians may seek careers in public safety, healthcare, and sports. The BLS reports statisticians’ annual mean wage as $92,270 as of May 2020. Alternate job titles:Software architect, cloud architect, application manager Good fit for:
Software developersCodersInnovative problem-solversSystems administratorsInformation systems designersComputer systems administrators
Infrastructure architects develop networks for entire organizations. These industry professionals understand systems administration and software development. Infrastructure architects work with clients to discern each one’s computational requirements. The average salary for an information technology infrastructure architect is $112,995 as of November 2021. Alternate job titles:Data strategist, cloud architect, information architect Good fit for:
Database model expertsDatabase access and management mastersPublic cloud computing professionalsDevelopment environment software professionalsAnalytical problem-solvers
Data architects manage the policies, procedures, models, and technology for data collection, organization, storage, and access. These professionals manage high-level business intelligence relationships. They may also design data management systems. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for database administrators and architects was $98,860 in May 2020. Alternate job titles:Data warehouse developer, Azure architect, business developer Good fit for:
Microsoft Excel specialistsProblem-solversTroubleshooting expertsSQL professionalsTeam collaboratorsData architects
Business intelligence developers build tech systems that support business intelligence for organizations. These industry professionals acquire the software business intelligence analysts need. They also develop systems to gather consumer, sales, and revenue data. The average salary for business intelligence developers was $81,319 as of November 2021. Alternate job titles:Data scientist, data engineer, business intelligence analyst Good fit for:
Analytical and abstract thinkersCritical thinkersDetail-oriented professionalsProblem-solversTeam collaboratorsIndustry trend researchers
Data analysts collect and organize data sets. They then use the data to solve complex problems and respond to key questions. Data analysts track patterns and trends, integrating analysis, technology, and organizational objectives to meet operational goals. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,200 in May 2020. Data scientists can increase their earning potential by pursuing higher education and earning in-demand credentials. Earning one of the best tech certifications may prove your knowledge and experience to a top employer, helping you advance your technology career. Ready to enhance your skills and aim for high-level jobs? Pursuing data analytics master’s can prepare a professional for advanced roles such as application, enterprise, and data architects.
Conclusion
Data scientists are data analysis trailblazers. They seek organization-wide solutions and apply their talents to promote growth and innovation for successful business operations. If you have a passion for revealing data sets and helping businesses succeed in their data collection efforts, consider a data scientist career.
This article was reviewed by Monali Mirel Chuatico
In 2019, Monali Mirel Chuatico graduated with her bachelor’s in computer science, which gave her the foundation that she needed to excel in roles such as a data engineer, front-end developer, UX designer, and computer science instructor. Monali is currently a data engineer at Mission Lane. As a data analytics captain at the nonprofit COOP Careers, Monali helps new grads and young professionals overcome underemployment by teaching them data analytics tools and mentoring them on their professional development journey. Monali is passionate about implementing creative solutions, building community, advocating for mental health, empowering women, and educating youth. Monali’s goal is to gain more experience in her field, expand her skill set, and do meaningful work that will positively impact the world. Monali Mirel Chuatico is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education freelance review network.
