Data Scientists
15-2051.00
Bright Outlook Updated 2025

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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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks Save Table: XLSX CSV

  • Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
  • Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales, attrition, and healthcare use.
  • Apply sampling techniques to determine groups to be surveyed or use complete enumeration methods.
  • Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.
  • Compare models using statistical performance metrics, such as loss functions or proportion of explained variance.
  • Create graphs, charts, or other visualizations to convey the results of data analysis using specialized software.
  • Deliver oral or written presentations of the results of mathematical modeling and data analysis to management or other end users.
  • Design surveys, opinion polls, or other instruments to collect data.
  • Identify business problems or management objectives that can be addressed through data analysis.
  • Identify relationships and trends or any factors that could affect the results of research.
  • Identify solutions to business problems, such as budgeting, staffing, and marketing decisions, using the results of data analysis.
  • Propose solutions in engineering, the sciences, and other fields using mathematical theories and techniques.
  • Read scientific articles, conference papers, or other sources of research to identify emerging analytic trends and technologies.
  • Recommend data-driven solutions to key stakeholders.
  • Test, validate, and reformulate models to ensure accurate prediction of outcomes of interest.
  • Write new functions or applications in programming languages to conduct analyses.
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Technology Skills Save Table: XLSX CSV

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In demand
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Occupational Requirements

Detailed Work Activities Save Table: XLSX CSV

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Experience Requirements

Job Zone Save Table: XLSX CSV

Title
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Related Experience
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.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Job Zone Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, conservation scientists, art directors, and cost estimators.
SVP Range
(7.0 to < 8.0)

Training & Credentials

State training
Local training
Certifications
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Apprenticeship Opportunities

Example apprenticeship titles for this occupation:

  • Data Scientist

Specific title(s) listed above are vetted by industry and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor for use in a Registered Apprenticeship Program.

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Worker Characteristics

Interests Save Table: XLSX CSV

Occupational InterestInterest
100
 
Investigative — Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
73
 
Conventional — Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
27
 
Artistic — Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
19
 
Realistic — Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
12
 
Enterprising — Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
11
 
Social — Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Work Styles Save Table: XLSX CSV

ImpactWork Style
100
 
Attention to Detail Distinctive — A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
100
 
Intellectual Curiosity Distinctive — A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
90
 
Innovation Distinctive — A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
89
 
Dependability Distinctive — A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
86
 
Achievement Orientation Distinctive — A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
85
 
Integrity Distinctive — A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
83
 
Tolerance for Ambiguity — A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
81
 
Adaptability — A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
81
 
Perseverance — A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
76
 
Initiative — A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
74
 
Self-Confidence — A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
73
 
Cautiousness — A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
69
 
Stress Tolerance — A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
63
 
Self-Control — A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
62
 
Cooperation — A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
60
 
Humility — A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
57
 
Optimism — A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
56
 
Leadership Orientation — A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
55
 
Sincerity — A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
55
 
Social Orientation — A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
52
 
Empathy — A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.

Workforce Characteristics

Wages & Employment Trends

Median wages (2024)
$54.13 hourly, $112,590 annual
State wages
Local wages
Employment (2024)
245,900 employees
Projected growth (2024-2034)
Much faster than average (7% or higher)
Projected job openings (2024-2034)
23,400
State trends
Top industries (2024)

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 wage data and 2024-2034 employment projections . “Projected growth” represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2024-2034). “Projected job openings” represent openings due to growth and replacement.

Job Openings on the Web

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More Information

Professional Associations

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