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. Most employers require 5 to 10 years’ experience in computer science or information systems, as well as a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or PhD in a quantitative discipline.

Typical data scientist duties:

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

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 modeling

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API development

Big data technologies

Cloud ML platforms

Data management

Machine learning

Natural language processing

Programming languages

National salary range for Data Scientist

123750 - 186750

Low

123750

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

Mid

158750

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

High

186750

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

145250

179750

204000

AI Engineer

154500

175000

196750

ML Engineer

124250

154500

177000

AI/ML Analyst

121250

150000

174000

RPA Engineer

107000

126000

155250

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What's inside the Salary Guide Learn how our salary benchmarks reflect accurate marketplace data through a rigorous, multistep verification process.

The salary benchmarks in the 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.