NEW: 6 Hot Career Prospects in Data Science Industry Today
You read that Data Scientist is “The Sexiest Job of The 21st Century”, but there are other jobs profiles and opportunities in Data Science – read about these roles, responsibilities, skills, salary prospects and market demand (also pretty sexy!).
4. Data Analyst
Data analyst is the Hercule Poirot of a data science team. This role is precisely of a detective who will look into the data to extract meaningful insights. A ‘figure-it-out’ attitude is the prerequisite to be a successful data analyst. A data analyst is expected to collect numerical information and present the result in a meaningful way – usually in the form of graphs, charts, reports or dashboards. Identifying trends and creating predictive models are among the key responsibilities that a data analyst is expected to take care of.
Skills Required:
- In-depth understanding of machine learning with programming languages like R and Python.
- Working knowledge of database systems and spreadsheets.
- Proficiency in mathematical and statistical models and algorithms.
- Excellent analytical skills.
- Ability to work with different data visualization, business intelligence and reporting tools.
Salary Prospects:
As per PayScale’s salary report, data analysts in the USA get an average salary of $56,634 per year. The paycheck increases with experience, which can be validated from the table given below –
Experience Average Salary
- 0-5 Years $53,000
- 5-10 Years $63,000
- 10-20 Years $64,000
- 20+ Years $66,000
[Reference: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Data_Analyst/Salary]
Current Global Vacancy:
Listed below are the number of job advertisements for Data Analysts across various popular job portals –
Job Site Vacant Positions
- Indeed 84286
- SimplyHired 75539
- Glassdoor 12017
5. Statistician
It is the responsibility of a statistician to collect, analyze and interpret quantitative data with the help of statistical theories and methodologies. They are the ones who determine methods for collecting data and decide what data are needed to answer specific questions or problems. Strong background in statistical methodologies coupled with a logical and stats-oriented mindset are the key qualities that a statistician must possess.
Skills Required:
- Background in statistical theories and methodologies.
- Hands-on knowledge about distributed systems like Hadoop and MapReduce.
- Proficiency in data mining and machine learning.
Salary Prospects:
In terms of paychecks, statisticians stand in-between data engineers and data analysts. The average annual salary of a statistician in the USA is $70,435 – which is lower than data engineers, but more than the package that a data analyst earns. Given below is the salary trend for statisticians over the course of their career –
Experience Average Salary
- 0-5 Years $66,000
- 5-10 Years $80,000
- 10-20 Years $96,000
- 20+ Years $105,000
[Reference: http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Statistician/Salary]
Current Global Vacancy:
Listed below are the number of job advertisements for Statisticians across various popular job portals –
Job Site Vacant Positions
- Indeed 1885
- SimplyHired 1686
- Glassdoor 5777
6. Database Administrator
A database administrator (DBA) uses specialized software to store and organize data. Ensuring the performance, integrity and security of a database system is the primary responsibility of a database administrator. Database administrators ensure that the database is always available to all the concerned users, is performing properly and is being handled securely at all the time. They are also involved in capacity planning, database design, security configuration, backup & recovery solution, performance monitoring, and troubleshooting.
Skills Required:
- In-depth knowledge of database management systems.
- Proficiency in data modelling and design.
- Hands-on experience in security hardening and performance optimization.
- Sound technical knowledge to troubleshoot and resolve potential issues.
- Expertise in backup and recovery methods.
Salary Prospects:
The role of a DBA is not restricted to the data science industry alone. Multiple domains in the IT sector require database administrators in high numbers. Being high in demand, qualified database administrators earn handsome paychecks. The average salary of a DBA in United States is $70,613, as per PayScale data. As usual, the exact package depends on the level of experience. Here’s a snapshot of the salary package that database administrators earn at different junctures of their career –
Experience Average Salary
- 0-5 Years $60,000
- 5-10 Years $78,000
- 10-20 Years $89,000
- 20+ Years $87,000
[Reference: www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Database_Administrator_(DBA)/Salary]
Current Global Vacancy:
Listed below are the number of job advertisements for Database Administrators across various popular job portals –
Job Site Vacant Positions
- Indeed 17694
- SimplyHired 16224
- Glassdoor 16086
Final Words:
The job roles mentioned above are just a few of the lucrative options available to aspiring professionals in the data science industry today. We hope that the information presented in this article will help you understand the nuances within the data science industry, so that you can figure out the right career path according to your professional skills and ambitions.
Bio: Leon Pagan is a blogger, geek and lover of all things related to business, technology and innovation. Leon is currently working as consultant writer for Broadband Search, a site that is super simple to use and great for finding the best internet and TV plans in your area.
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