Data Science
Data science turns large amounts of data into decisions, using statistics, programming and machine learning. Data scientists clean and analyze data, build predictive models and explain the results to people who act on them.
Where Data Science can lead
A field of study is not one job. These are the occupations BLS tracks for this pathway, with median annual pay (May 2025) and projected change in employment (2025–35); total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5%.
| Occupation | Median pay | Outlook | Openings / year | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Data scientists | $120,230 | +35% Much faster than average |
24,800 | Bachelor's degree |
| Mathematicians and statisticians | $105,720 | +10% Much faster than average |
2,000 | Master's degree |
| Operations research analysts | $88,940 | +12% Much faster than average |
7,500 | Bachelor's degree |
| Database administrators and architects | $126,760 | +4% About as fast as average |
7,300 | Bachelor's degree |
Median: half of workers earned more, half earned less. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 2026-10-07.
What data scientists earn
Pay varies widely with experience, employer and location. BLS figures for May 2025.
Often new graduates
Half earned more, half less
Often senior or specialized roles
Median pay by industry
| Industry | Share of jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers | 12% | $142,240 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 10% | $132,380 |
| Insurance carriers | 10% | $108,650 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10% | $128,050 |
| Credit intermediation and related activities | 6% | $129,490 |
Source: BLS, data scientists (pay and work environment tabs).
Where the jobs are
The five states with the most jobs for data scientists in May 2025, with local median and average (mean) pay. Pay is usually higher where living costs are higher.
| State | Jobs | Median pay | Mean pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 39,310 | $141,590 | $156,000 |
| Texas | 25,860 | $122,090 | $119,710 |
| New York | 23,970 | $130,460 | $137,690 |
| Pennsylvania | 13,810 | $106,850 | $110,810 |
| North Carolina | 11,430 | $119,090 | $121,270 |
BLS publishes estimates for 50 of the 51 areas (50 states and DC) for this occupation; the others are withheld for confidentiality or reliability. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
What the work is really like
From O*NET, which surveys people working in the job. Most work full time, mainly in offices.
Common tasks
- Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
- Create graphs, charts, or other visualizations to convey the results of data analysis using specialized software.
- Test, validate, and reformulate models to ensure accurate prediction of outcomes of interest.
- Recommend data-driven solutions to key stakeholders.
What workers report
| Share of workers who… | Share |
|---|---|
| Use email every day | |
| Sit continually or almost continually | |
| Work a typical 40-hour week | |
| Have contact with others about half the time |
Technology used on the job
Interests that fit this work (Holland codes): Investigative, Conventional. Source: O*NET OnLine, 15-2051.00, checked 2026-10-07.
How to get there, step by step
A typical route. Many people reach the same job in different ways.
- Step 1
Math and stats
Calculus and statistics are the core.
- Step 2
Bachelor's degree
Math, statistics, computer science or data science.
- Step 3
Master's degree
44% of data scientists told O*NET a master's is required for their job.
- Step 4
Analyst or data scientist
Start with analysis, then modeling and machine learning.
- Goal
Lead with data
Senior data scientist, ML specialist or analytics lead.
High school preparation
From BLS: BLS suggests high school students interested in data science take linear algebra, calculus, and probability and statistics.
- Linear algebra, calculus, and probability and statistics where offered (BLS's own advice)
- AP Statistics and AP Computer Science
- Any course that asks you to present findings
Course suggestions are Margdarshan's guidance; what you can take depends on your school. See the high school guide for GPA, AP and dual enrollment.
Degrees and what you study
At least a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science or a related field; some employers require or prefer a master's or doctoral degree.
Education workers say their job requires (O*NET)
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | |
| Master's degree | |
| Associate's degree |
Costs and aid: see College & Money. Important qualities BLS lists for data scientists: analytical skills, computer skills, communication skills, logical-thinking skills, math skills, problem-solving skills.
Why demand is changing
BLS expects growth from demand for data-driven decisions, the growing volume of data, and companies integrating AI-based systems that data scientists help them use.
Much faster than average
Data scientists
Average over the decade, including replacements
Studying from outside the U.S.? Education and immigration are separate pathways — see the international student guide.
Advice for getting in
Margdarshan's guidance, based on the data above.
- Show your work: a project that takes a messy real dataset to a clear recommendation is worth more than certificates.
- Practice explaining results simply — presenting findings to managers is a core task.
- Learn SQL; most data lives in databases.
Frequently asked questions
Related career pathways
Where these facts come from
Official sources only, checked on the dates shown.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data scientists checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Mathematicians and statisticians checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Operations research analysts checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Database administrators and architects checked 2026-10-07
- O*NET OnLine: 15-2051.00 · U.S. Department of Labor checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates via the BLS Public Data API checked 2026-10-07