Data Scientists

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.

$112,590

Median Annual Pay

Jobs growth:

+34% projected 2024–2034

Bachelor's degree

Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Data scientists spend their days uncovering patterns and insights hidden within massive amounts of information. They work with structured databases, unstructured text, images, and other data sources to solve complex business problems or answer research questions. On a typical day, they might clean and organize messy datasets, build predictive models using machine learning algorithms, or create visualizations that make complex findings accessible to non-technical stakeholders. They write code in languages like Python or R to automate analysis processes and develop custom tools for specific analytical challenges.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Dartmouth College, NH

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(professional)University of California-Berkeley, CA

Computer Science(masters)Stanford University, CA

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)University of Chicago, IL

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)New York University, NY

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Georgetown University, DC

Computer Science(bachelors)California Institute of Technology, CA

Computer Science(bachelors)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Carnegie Mellon University, PA

Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)University of California-Los Angeles, CA

Mathematics and Computer Science(bachelors)Harvey Mudd College, CA

Computer Science(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY

Computer and Information Sciences(masters)Harvard University, MA

Computer Science(masters)Saint Martin's University, WA

Computer Science(masters)Central Washington University, WA

Computer Science(masters)City University of Seattle, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Bothell Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Seattle Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)University of Washington-Tacoma Campus, WA

Computer Science(masters)Washington State University, WA

Computer Science(bachelors)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA

Computer Science(masters)Cornell University, NY

Computer Science(bachelors)Cornell University, NY

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