What kind of jobs does a data science degree prepare you for?

3. Business intelligence analyst

What they do: A business intelligence analyst, otherwise known as an operations research analyst, is a type of data analyst who specializes in projecting relevant business trends. These trends could include anything from marketing developments to financial projections to consumer preferences. Professionals in this field both compile reports about their findings and interpret the reports for other professionals. 

Salary: As of May 2021, operations research analysts earned an annual salary between $48,690 and $160,850, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Employment for operations research analysts is projected to grow 23% from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 10,300 openings each year.

4. Database architect

What they do: A database architect develops, manages and maintains models, policies and procedures related to organizational data management. These professionals often work alongside software designers and analysts to optimize the data architecture.

Salary: As of May 2021, database architects earned an annual salary between $63,160 and $169,500, according to BLS.

Job outlook: The projected employment growth for database architects and administrators is an estimated 9% from 2021 to 2031, according to BLS. That’s an estimated 11,500 openings per year.

5. Research scientist

What they do: Research scientists conduct field research and seek to reproduce phenomena under controlled conditions. This allows them to find patterns and produce relevant innovations. In the context of data science, these professionals may seek to achieve goals such as monitoring machine learning tools to determine how they operate in practice or utilizing data sets to more effectively test hypotheses.

Salary: As of May 2021, computer and information research scientists earned an annual salary between $74,210 and $164,280, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Projected growth for computer and information research scientists is an estimated 21% from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 3,300 openings each year.

6. Data scientist

What they do: Data scientists collect and analyze data about a variety of topics and use the analyses to inform an organization’s strategy and decisions. Data scientists may also contribute to the development of new technology and methods to collect and analyze data. 

Salary: As of May 2021, data scientists earned between $59,430 and $167,040 annually, according to BLS.

Job outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 13,500 openings each year.

4 jobs you can pursue with a Master of Science in Data Science

For more advanced roles in data science, such as the ones outlined below, you may need to earn a Master of Science in Data Science (MSDS).

1. Application development director

What they do: An application development director manages and leads a variety of activities related to creating software solutions for user needs. This includes tasks such as managing workflows, facilitating processes and acting as a point of contact between the development team, management and clients. These professionals often provide technical assistance throughout the application development, integration and maintenance life cycle.

Salary: Application development directors are also categorized as computer and information systems managers. As of May 2021, computer and information systems managers earned an annual salary between $95,220 and $208,000, according to BLS.

Job outlook: The projected growth rate for computer and information systems managers is 16% from 2021 to 2031. That’s an estimated 48,500 openings each year.

2. Computing services manager

What they do: A computing services director performs various tasks related to the management of a computer services team. A computer services team may provide and manage a wide range of services, such as troubleshooting, data processing and electronic messaging. A computing services director makes decisions, facilitates workflow and coordinates teams.

Salary: As of May 2021, computing services directors earned an annual salary between $95,220 and $208,000, according to BLS.

Job outlook: The projected employment growth rate for computing services directors is 16% from 2021 to 2031, according to BLS. That’s an estimated 48,500 openings each year.

3. Data processing manager

What they do: Data processing managers direct teams that manage and process data, and they act as a point of contact between teams and clients. They may also conduct tasks related to hiring and onboarding. It is also important for these professionals to have substantial skills and knowledge related to cybersecurity, as data processing and storage are tasks that typically require security standards and governance. 

Salary: Data processing managers are also categorized as computer and information systems managers. As of May 2021, computer and information systems managers earned an annual salary between $95,220 and $208,000, according to BLS.

Job outlook: The projected employment growth rate for this field is an anticipated 16% from 2021 to 2031, according to BLS.

4. Information systems supervisor, manager or director

What they do: Often, an IS director manages all computer-based processes within an organization or a branch. This professional may sometimes be referred to as an IT director. This position coordinates and supervises IT teams and serves as a point of contact between teams, managers and clients. They set major goals related to the management of IS and implement strategies to ensure goals are met. 

Salary: As of May 2021, computer and information systems managers earned an annual salary between $95,200 and $208,000, according to BLS.

Job outlook: As noted, the projected growth rate for job openings for computer and information systems managers is 16% from 2021 to 2031.