Fields within data science have continued to prove their worth as in-demand, rewarding careers. Unlike broader subjects like information science, data science is about utilizing data in the search for trends and prevailing tendencies, which can help produce worthwhile concepts and insight.
As Big Data continues to accumulate, an even greater amount of research and focus has been placed on assessing the collective of shared information across the world. As a result, data science is about more than just analyzing and understanding the past. It is now becoming an essential component for developing predictive trends to better understand the best course of action across all industries.
Valuable Skills with Impressive Salaries
Data scientists are charged with integrating a variety of skills including database compilation and access, AI, mathematics, machine-based learning, and more. The development of these predictive trends yields highly valuable insight that companies are willing to pay handsomely to acquire and curate.
Take a look at these statistics on typical data scientist salaries:
- The average salary rests at $117,000 per year with $89,200 as the low and $242,000 the impressive high-end.
- Data scientists can also expect perks such as an average $24,500 of annual bonus, equity levels above $50,000, and signing bonuses which average $15,000.
- Several large-scale technology firms are actively seeking data scientists including Lyft, Wal Mart, Facebook, Amazon, and eBay.
The growth in demand for professionals within this field will only continue to rise as the need to identify trends and develop predictive business strategies grows ever greater. Accordingly, many technology professionals can enjoy a prosperous and highly successful career by following the data science pathway.
Let’s take a look at some of the most lucrative careers within the data science field.
Data Scientists
At the forefront of the industry, data scientists are professionals operating across a variety of different fields. Scientists are tasked with understanding and overseeing data analysis projects from start-to-finish.
This could include data storage and access, the development and analysis of models, predictive technology, process creation, the development of data tools such as modular solutions for specific information extraction, and narrative creation of the trends each data model yields.
The typical skills demanded from a general data scientist include the following:
- Advanced understanding of mathematics
- Several years of experience with programming languages such as Python, SQL, R
- Database development and maintenance proficiency
- Analytic skills
- Ability to communicate well within a team
- Ability to translate complex topics into easily understandable information
With an average salary in excess of $115,000, data science is becoming an increasingly popular career option..
Data Engineers
Also known as data architects or database administrators, data engineers represent the backbone of data science. At the heart of their job, data engineers are tasked with either the creation or ongoing management and operation of a company’s overall data infrastructure. Without their leadership and supervision, there would be no Big Data, no algorithms, no machine learning, and no predictive technology.
Engineers must have a strong command of a number of different disciplines, as they assist and accommodate all elements across the data analysis and trend development life cycle. This includes development steps such as the implementation of data lakes within data extraction methods and related requirements.
Youll need the following skills to succeed in this role:
- Proficiency in programming languages, such as python
- Database development, understanding, and SQL implementation
- Experience in analytics and Big Data
- Able to achieve a higher level of communication across all departments and organizations
Salaries for data engineers display a similar range to those received by data scientists. Candidates in this field can expect around $100,000 per annum on average.
Data Analyst
Data analysts represent the ‘nuts-and-bolts’ of any data science operation. Their job is to work toward the practical implementation of the processes used to acquire, refine, and ultimately analyze data. This data collection and analysis is translated in the form of reports which showcase the trends, ideas, concepts, and predictive models which have been created. In many cases, these reports are presented visually via charts, infographics, and through other mediums.
Another critical area where data analysts focus their efforts is toward the preservation of the datas value itself. Data integrity refers to the quality of the information as well as the systems which collect and interpret it to produce worthwhile results. This type of task requires an ongoing commitment toward refining the tools and methodology used, in order to reflect current industry standards.
The skills and proficiencies required for data analyst roles include all of the following:
- Strong understanding of data statistics
- Working knowledge of business trends and technology
- Advanced experience with Excel, SQL, and related programming and data analysis tools
- Ability to effectively communicate across company operations
In many cases, a career within data science begins at the analyst level. Accordingly, average salaries begin at a lower than other positions, at around $65,000 annually.
Now is the Time to Enter the Data Science Field
Technology has continued to push the boundaries of data science, and to usher in new breakthroughs. As a result, the need and demand for data scientists ensures that this remains a highly-valued career path. The continued development and implementation of streamlined modular solutions has also improved the ability to curate truly valuable data, and these types of modular options will serve to help data scientists get even more when it comes to effective predictive technology and machine learning.
For the professionals prepared for the challenges of this type of advanced work, a truly satisfying and valuable career awaits them.
