How to Become a Data Scientist

5 Steps to Becoming a Data Scientist

FAQ on Becoming a Data Scientist

Data Scientist Salary & Job Growth

In 2018, Business Insider referred to the data science profession as "the best job in America right now." A large part of that has to do with the remarkably high level of career satisfaction reported by people in the industry. Another part is the hefty salaries associated with the career, which can run deep into the six figures.

According to salary research site Glassdoor, the average annual base pay for data scientists is $120,931 — and that's not including the $11,772 in additional cash compensation the average data scientist receives. Salary site PayScale examined the median salary and determined that a data scientist in the 50th percentile can expect to earn $90,807 a year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which refers to the broader occupation as "computer and information scientists," lists the median annual salary as $114,520.

Data science is one of the most marketable skills in many of the world's most quickly expanding industries. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecast 19 percent growth in the decade between 2016 and 2026 — that's well beyond even the rosiest predictions for the overall job market. According to BLS, those with backgrounds in biology, finance and computer science will have especially powerful leverage moving into the future. Forbes recently reported that IBM predicts a whopping 28 percent increase in demand for data scientists by 2020. Career networking site LinkedIn recently named the field as the No. 2 most marketable skill in the world.

The predicted surge in growth is part of a trend that has already been established. According to a report from the University of Wisconsin's data science department, job postings in the field increased by a multiple of five in less than two years, from 2,000 in March 2014 to 10,000 in February 2016. The report states that demand for jobs in the field are growing across nearly all sectors, including:

Finding a Data Scientist Program

There is no one right data scientist program. Like any educational endeavor, the pursuit of a data science degree depends on a range of variables, including where you are in your educational journey, your preferred method of delivery, the desired outcomes and career path, and, of course, your budget.

Are you just starting your higher education? It's possible to save money by earning an associate's degree at an affordable two-year school and then transferring to a four-year school to complete your undergraduate studies. Online programs can also be cheaper, and more flexible. Bootcamps and MOOCs can accelerate learning and save money.

As with all programs, be sure to consult with an academic advisor to make sure that the courses and programs you choose are applicable to your desired degree or transferrable to your school and program of choice.

This search tool can help you find the right school and the right programs to help you make the transition from student to graduate to data scientist.

Data Scientist Associations & Groups

Like any other industry, data scientists are at their best when they're part of a broad network of peers and colleagues. The following groups and associations can be your connection to others in your field. Only when you're connected with people who share your interests, concerns, questions, experiences and goals, can you truly thrive.

Resources for Data Scientists

There are many resources available to prospective data scientists beyond just industry and trade organizations. Some focus on the education needed to get there, others are designed to offer tools and assistance to students and some exist purely for the purposes of information and research.

Become Team

Contributing Writer

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