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Data Scientists


Overview

Introduction

Data scientists use scientific principles to study large amounts of data. They use algorithms and machine learning to extract valuable intelligence from data to help business executives make better decisions, reach more customers, or provide better services. Data scientists are also employed by nonprofit organizations and government agencies. They may also be known as analytics scientists. Mathematicians and statisticians often perform many of the same duties as data scientists, and, in some circles, they are also considere...

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$125,000

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Employment Prospects

Excellent

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Minimum Education Level

Master's Degree


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Experience

One to three years of experience via internships, summer jobs, or
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Skills

Computer
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Personality Traits

Curious
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Earnings

Data scientists earned salaries that ranged from $105,750 to $180,250 in 2016, according to Robert Half Technology‘s 2020 Salary Guide for Technology Professionals. They receive benefits such as health insurance, vacation and sick time, and a profit sharing or retirement plan. Some companies provide reimbursement to data scientists who complete continuing education classes and certific...

Work Environment

The career of data scientist might seem like a solitary job (with data scientists spending hours at the computer developing data analysis tools and analyzing data). But while a typical day in the life of a data scientist certainly involves some solitary computer time, it also necessitates a significant degree of collaboration with other data science professionals at meetings and on the telephon...

Outlook

Employment of computer and information research scientists (a category that includes data scientists) is expected to grow 16 percent from 2018 to 2028, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), or much faster than the average for all careers. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that “rapid growth in data collection by businesses will lead to an increased need for data-mini...