Analyze and interpret complex data to help organizations make better decisions. Use data-oriented programming languages, data mining, modeling, and machine learning on large structured and unstructured datasets, then visualize and report the findings.
Pay
$75,000
Lower reported wage
$112,590
Median
$194,410
Upper reported wage
Annual U.S. salaries. Actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience. The lower and upper figures do not represent starting and senior salaries.
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Make this your goal
Build a personalized Roadmap Plan with CLEP savings and school matches.
BLS identifies no universal professional license for data scientists. Employers judge degrees, analytical skills, projects, and sometimes graduate study.[1]
Search CareerOneStop by occupation and state, then confirm the rules with the issuing agency. Coverage is incomplete; an empty result does not mean no license is required.
U.S. career guide. Program, employer, and state requirements can differ.
About this data
Direct match. Median $112,590; 34.6% growth — among the fastest-growing occupations in the US, 2025-35. 275,600 jobs.
SOC 15-2051BLS EP 2025-35Verified 2026-04-28View on BLS
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Can I earn while training?
BLS does not describe a required training placement. Ask whether internships, research work, and portfolio projects are paid or for academic credit.[1]
Costs to check before enrolling
Compare tuition after aid, computing access, optional graduate study, and the opportunity to build a portfolio through paid work.
Planning questions: request a written estimate from each program or sponsor. A total cost has not been verified here.
Majors and routes to explore
A related major can be preparation; it does not by itself qualify you for the career.
