How much does a data scientist make?

In the United States, pay can differ with experience, education, and specialized knowledge, such as finance. It also varies by industry and location; people in large cities may earn more.

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. Excludes “Statisticians” (15-2041), “Cartographers and Photogrammetrists” (17-1021), and “Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars” (29-9021).

What's a typical day like?

They sort and clean messy data, then use code and statistics to test models and spot patterns. They turn results into charts and explain what they mean to teammates or managers.

In U.S. high school, study math, statistics, and coding; then earn a bachelor's in math, statistics, computer science, or a related field. Some employers prefer graduate study; there is no set starting age, and O*NET lists apprenticeships.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized.

NASA data scientists study spaceflight health risks using data from a very small group of astronauts, so they must work with tiny samples.