As technology improves year after year, more companies have massive amounts of data at their disposal to help them to make better business decisions. But to make good choices with all of that data, they need to have workers who are skilled in data science.
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Data science professionals are being relied upon by businesses to make critical decisions about creating products, expanding into other markets, and even acquiring other companies. Data science workers are essential, so they are well compensated. It is estimated that the median salary for data science professionals overall in the US is $118,000.
Which careers and jobs offer the highest compensation? Below are 10 of them.
#1 Big Data Engineer
A big data engineer is responsible for analyzing large amounts of data and changing it so that it can be used for valuable insights that are relied upon by top executives to enhance their business operations. A big data engineer also analyzes, procures, reports and digests on the data that is flowing to and from the company. They also provide oversight of hardware, software and data infrastructure to make sure that the information is being adequately streamlined and used.
The salary range for this job is $135,000 to $196,000, with a 5.8% salary increase between 2016 and 2017.
#2 Data Architect
A data architect has one of the most desirable data science jobs out there. These data experts assist in designing and maintaining data and its ever-changing structure while developing and strategizing efficiency models and constant design improvements with a strong focus on visualization. This position is usually an executive level job, and professionals in this field will report to board members and C-level employees.
The annual salary range for this career is $131,000 to $184,000, with a 4.1% salary increase between 2016 and 2017.
#3 Data Warehouse Manager
Data science professionals who eat, breathe and sleep big data, this is a great career option. A data warehouse manager is responsible for housing huge amounts of data safely in a secure facility. The core tasks of the data warehouse manager include the safe and efficient managing of data while providing as much efficiency as possible. The data warehouse manager must also work closely with the maintenance IT and security teams to assure as much uptime and accessibility as possible.
This career has a salary range of $129,000 to $179,000, with a 4.1% salary increase between 2016 and 2017.
#4 Database Manager
A database manager is in charge of maintaining the organization’s databases and also diagnosing and fixing issues as they come up. Database managers also are in charge of managing the database and its hardware, while also making sure the databases are modern and compatible with newer systems and software.
The salary range for database managers is estimated at $122,000 to $155,000, with a 3.7% increase between 2016 and 2017.
#5 Business Intelligence Analyst
The job of business intelligence analyst comes with a good salary and core requirements. You are responsible for analyzing data from the business, and molding it into information that is useful. It will be relied upon by top company executives to enhance business operations. You also will need to produce data reports that are independent that help to show trends, patterns and modernization methods that can boost business operational protocols. See also Top 5 Business Intelligence Degrees.
The salary range for this data science job is $118,000 to $145,000, with a 4.3% salary increase between 2016 and 2017.
#6 Data Scientist
One of the most sought-after jobs in this field is that of data scientist. These data professionals nearly always command a top salary as they develop groundbreaking algorithms that pair with predictive modeling systems. This results in the creation of new data proficient prototypes and new data analytical methods.
See Top Online MBA Programs with Data Concentrations.
Data scientists use analytical, statistical and programming skills to collect, analyze and interpret large amounts of data. They use this information to develop solutions to the most demanding business challenges. Data scientists have a high level of technical skill in statistics, machine learning, coding languages, databases, machine learning, and reporting technologies. Data scientists should have skills in the programming languages R and Python, as well as SQL. See also 5+ Best Online Data Science Degrees.
The salary range for a data scientist is between $116,000 and $163,000. The average increase in salary between 2016 and 2017 was a healthy 6.4%.
#7 Data Modeler
A career in data modeling requires you to have mastery of data science because you will be handling large amounts of business data and then converting it into usable insights that help to identify and predict trends in the business and overall market. These types of reports are used by executives to enhance processes and boost efficiency.
The typical salary range for a data modeler is $111,000 to $155,000 with a 3.9% increase in salary on average between 2016 and 2017.
#8 Database Developer
In this data position, you will be improving current database processes and also modernizing the business infrastructure and to boost the efficiency of coding. Also, you will be troubleshooting databases and problems, as well as debugging systems and engaging in logical reasoning to fix any issues that arise along the way.
This data science job is different from a database administrator. The latter is focused on routine database maintenance and support for a current database. Database developers concentrate on improving a database, expanding the range and functionality, and developing submissions for the IT architecture of the company.
The typical salary range for database developers is $108,000 to $145,000, with a 1% increase in salary between 2016 and 2017.
#9 Database Administrator
Database administrators are tasked with optimizing the database for a company and getting to peak performance. It also is necessary to streamline and repair various issues, and also to safeguard the system and serves from everyday wear and tear, as well as high volumes of traffic and corruption of data. You also will be working with an IT team and a security team to make sure that the company’s data is never stolen or compromised. Databases also have to be available to employees at all times.
The typical salary range for this position is $98,500 to $140,000, with a 3.6% increase in salary between 2016 and 2017.
#10 Data Analyst
Companies bring in data analysts to convert large quantities of business data and to deliver valuable insights into their business operations. The good thing about being a data analyst is that it is not just limited to technology companies. Large companies in all industries around the world, from IT to healthcare, to automotive to retail to finance and insurance all need data analysts to run their daily business operations.
Data analysts must create useful insights from the vast reams of data they collect. These reports are used to enhance company efficiency and processes, and also help to decrease the cost to profit ratio. Business executives will use this information to ensure the company is profitable and will also use it to integrate better business systems and protocols.
The annual salary range for data analysts is $77,500 to $118,000. The increase in salary between 2016 and 2017 was 3.8%.
If you choose one of the above data science careers and jobs, it is likely that you will enjoy a long career with good pay and job demand.
References
- Top 5 Data Science and Machine Learning Jobs in the US. (2016). Retrieved from http://businessoverbroadway.com/top-5-paying-data-science-and-machine-learning-jobs-in-the-us
- 10 Data Science Jobs That Pay Ridiculous Money. (2017). Retrieved from https://woz-u.com/blog/10-data-science-jobs-pay-ridiculous-money/
