Data Scientist

Data Scientist Job Description

Data scientists develop innovative solutions to business challenges by applying their mathematical and analytical skills to detect patterns in very large datasets. Their work improves the performance of information systems and databases and leads to technological advancements and efficiencies, such as better networking technology, faster computing speeds and improved data security. Candidates must have strong analytical, data mining, multivariate statistical modelling and quantitative analysis skills, as well as experience in programming languages — commonly Python or Java — and writing SQL queries for data manipulation. In addition, they require experience querying databases and using statistical computer languages (R, Python, SLQ, etc.) and working with distributed data/computing tools (Map/Reduce, Hadoop, Hive, Spark, Gurobi, MySQL, etc.) Most employers require five to 10 years of experience in Computer Science or Information Systems, as well as a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline.

Typical data scientist duties:

Assessing the effectiveness and accuracy of new data sources and data gathering techniques

Developing and executing technical visions, including planning, technical decision making and project management in order to support business decisions and company growth

Developing custom data models and algorithms to apply to data sets

Presenting complex analyses as action-oriented recommendations

Managing and merging data from multiple sources and generating reports

Reviewing applications, data sets and models for anomalies to ensure accuracy

Applying effective algorithms to large-scale data modelling

Looking for a data scientist or a data scientist job?

Submit your resume or request talent now and our expert recruiters will be with you shortly.

Robert Half is one of the premier technology staffing agencies.

National salary range for Data Scientist

106250 - 158750

Low

106250

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is still developing core skills.

Mid

134500

The candidate has moderate experience in the role or one similar, meets most requirements and may hold transferable skills or relevant certifications.

High

158750

The candidate has extensive experience in the role, demonstrates advanced skills and often brings specialized certifications or industry experience.

Projected salaries for related positions

Job title

Low

Mid

High

AI Architect

132000

162750

191250

Senior AI Engineer

113750

146750

168550

AI Engineer

91250

119500

144000

AI/ML Engineer

105000

127000

156250

ML Developer

91500

124250

167000

Automation Engineer

75000

91250

105250

AI/BI Consultant

98750

112000

125000

Explore more salaries

Newest Data Scientist jobs

Search all jobs

Business Systems Analyst

Senior Desktop Application Developer

Software Developer

Looking to hire? Start here.

Access the skilled permanent and contract talent you need—from support roles to C-suite—with precision matching powered by Robert Half recruiters leveraging their experience combined together with our industry-leading AI technology.

Hire talent

More to explore

2027 Salary Guide Explore the latest data for roles in 7 professional fields and know what you should pay or earn in local and national markets.

Demand for Skilled Talent Check out our Demand for Skilled Talent report to learn about employers’ hiring plans and needs.

Labour Market Overview Stay on top of Robert Half and Statistics Canada job posting data to learn about today’s hiring market.

Pay and Compensation Highlights Dive deeper into salary and total compensation trends across a range of professional roles and industries.

Behind Our Numbers Learn how our salary benchmarks reflect accurate marketplace data through a rigorous, multistep verification process.

The salary benchmarks in the Canada Salary Guide From Robert Half are the result of a rigorous, multistep process designed to reflect projected market trends for 2027. They are based on actual compensation for professionals Robert Half has placed nationwide, along with third-party job posting data from Textkernel that we use for independent validation. Learn more about our methodology.