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.

Also called: Analytics Consultant, Applied Scientist, Data Analyst, Data Analytic Scientist, 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 Specialist, Machine Learning Data Scientist, Machine Learning Engineer, Machine Learning Scientist, Machine Learning Software Engineer, Marketing Data Scientist, Psychometric Consultant, Quantitative Methodologist, Quantitative Researcher, Research Analyst, Research Scientist, Statistical Analyst, Statistical Consultant

This is a career information profile, not an advertised job opening.

What the worker does

Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
Create graphs, charts, or other visualizations to convey the results of data analysis using specialized software.
Test, validate, and reformulate models to ensure accurate prediction of outcomes of interest.
Deliver oral or written presentations of the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
Recommend data-driven solutions to key stakeholders.
Identify business problems or management objectives that can be addressed through data analysis.
Compare models using statistical performance metrics, such as loss functions or proportion of explained variance.
Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.
Identify solutions to business problems, such as budgeting, staffing, and marketing decisions, using the results of data analysis.
Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales, attrition, and healthcare use.

Skills, machines and equipment

Mathematics
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Complex Problem Solving
Programming
Speaking
Active Learning
Active Listening
Writing
Judgment and Decision Making
Monitoring
Time Management

Education and training

Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (48.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.

Apprenticeships

Ask an employer or registered apprenticeship sponsor about current programs, eligibility, training and pay. A career profile does not confirm that a program is available.

Salary reference

85,660–158,880 USD per year · United States · 2025. Source: BLS OEWS via O*NET · 25th–75th percentiles · SOC 15-2051.

Occupational-group wage references are not guaranteed pay for this specialty or an employer's offer.

Career advancement

Develop reliable production, safety, quality, and equipment skills; explore additional processes, senior specialist, or team-lead responsibilities relevant to your workplace.
Ask employers which demonstrated skills, education, or credentials are needed for the next role. Related careers are exploration options, not automatic promotions.

How Do I Get This Job?

Review the skills and responsibilities above.
Most frequently reported education in the O*NET survey: Bachelor's Degree (48.00% of responses). This is survey context, not a universal hiring requirement. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
O*NET Job Zone 4: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified. This is broad occupational preparation context; confirm the requirements for a specific employer or apprenticeship.
Compare real openings and confirm requirements directly with the employer.

View available jobs — availability is not guaranteed; sample listings are not real openings.

Related career information

Sources and limitations

O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. ShopFloor adapted occupational grouping, selected manufacturing-relevant occupations, and retained seven legacy guide titles. Specialties and alternative titles are grouped under O*NET occupations; these occupations can also occur outside manufacturing. Source: https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html. No wage, vacancy, certification, or video data is implied. ShopFloor advancement suggestions are general editorial guidance, not O*NET findings or guaranteed career progression. BLS wage ranges, when available, are national 25th–75th percentiles for the source occupational grouping, across industries; they are not local, apprentice, entry-level, or specialty-specific offers.

Data Scientists