Data Scientists
Data scientists develop techniques and applications that convert raw data into actionable insights using programming languages and visualization tools. They apply data mining, modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract patterns from large datasets. Data scientists work across industries—finance, healthcare, technology, retail—wherever organizations need to make decisions based on data analysis.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against data scientists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves writing code to clean and prepare datasets, building and testing machine learning models, and analyzing results to identify patterns. Data scientists spend time documenting their methods, creating visualizations to communicate findings to non-technical stakeholders, and collaborating with engineers and business teams. They may attend meetings to understand new data problems, then return to technical work implementing solutions or refining existing analyses.
Who this work suits
Holland code ICA. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy investigative work that requires systematic problem-solving and careful analysis of details. You're comfortable with structured, rule-based thinking and appreciate conventional approaches to organizing complex information. You combine analytical rigor with technical skill to uncover what data reveals.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Senior Data Scientist, MNO Data · GiveDirectly · Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Türkiye, UK, USA · Remote
- Reporting Data Scientist - Project Controls · Fluor · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $121,189–$121,189
- Data Scientist · District of Columbia Courts · Washington, District of Columbia · $117962–$153354
- Data Scientist, Analytics (Technical Leadership) · Meta · USA · Remote
- Data Scientist 3 · Pacific Northwest National Laboratory · Sacramento, Sacramento County · $134,896–$134,896
- Data Scientist · Defense Security Cooperation Agency · Arlington, Virginia · $143913–$187093
- Information Technology Specialist (Data Scientist) · National Gallery of Art · Washington, District of Columbia · $143913–$187093
- Statistician (Data Scientist) · Veterans Affairs, Inspector General · Multiple Locations · $76463–$99404
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington | $105,240 | $163,350 | $208,320 | 9,600 |
| California | $103,360 | $141,590 | $186,820 | 39,310 |
| Maryland | $100,370 | $136,370 | $169,510 | 3,340 |
| New Jersey | $101,970 | $135,280 | $167,330 | 6,430 |
| Massachusetts | $101,940 | $131,750 | $166,180 | 9,420 |
| New York | $94,880 | $130,460 | $171,580 | 23,970 |
| Minnesota | $92,490 | $128,800 | $160,910 | 4,020 |
| Vermont | $98,450 | $127,070 | $143,170 | 200 |
| District of Columbia | $105,320 | $126,490 | $174,650 | 2,680 |
| Virginia | $97,390 | $126,430 | $165,610 | 8,920 |
| Connecticut | $94,480 | $126,340 | $163,210 | 1,760 |
| Oregon | $96,770 | $125,990 | $163,710 | 2,140 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Data Scientist - Foundation (CDS) — Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals
- Certified Data Scientist - Associate/Practitioner — Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals
- Certified Data Scientist - Executive Management (CDS) — Institute for the Certification of Computing Professionals
- Certified Data Science Practitioner (CDSP) — CertNexus
- Information Technology Specialist - Data Analytics (ITS-DA) — Pearson
- Certified Clinical Data Manager (CCDM) — Society for Clinical Data Management
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 25 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against data scientists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 15-2051.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.