Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Using numbers, measurements, formulas, quantitative reasoning, and mathematical concepts.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s or doctoral degree. PayThe median annual wage for data scientists was $120,230 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 24,800 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for data scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of data scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about data scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for data scientists was $120,230 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 24,800 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for data scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of data scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about data scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 24,800 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for data scientists. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of data scientists with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about data scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Data scientists use analytical tools and techniques to extract meaningful insights from data.
Work Environment
Data scientists spend much of their time in an office setting. Most work full time.
How to Become a Data Scientist
Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s or doctoral degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for data scientists was $120,230 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 24,800 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for data scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of data scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about data scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Data scientists spend much of their time in an office setting. Most work full time.
How to Become a Data Scientist
Data scientists typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science, or a related field to enter the occupation. Some employers require or prefer that applicants have a master’s or doctoral degree.
Pay
The median annual wage for data scientists was $120,230 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 35 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 24,800 openings for data scientists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for data scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of data scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about data scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for data scientists.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of data scientists with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about data scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about data scientists by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.