When considering data science job levels, it’s better to assess how independently someone can handle a task without supervision. Data science was classified as the most sought-after job of the 21st Century by Harvard Business Review. Now, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects a 28% growth in data science jobs by 2026 (Source- Forbes)
If you plan on pursuing data science positions, you must decide which level to target: junior, mid-level, or senior data science roles. Instead of targeting specific skills, tools, experience, education, or subject knowledge, take a holistic approach. This perspective will help you find the right position in the data science industry.
What is Data Science?
Data science involves getting valuable insights from data using quantitative processes from business intelligence, artificial intelligence, and machine learning.
Who is a Data Scientist?
A Data Scientist is a person who handles the data collection, storage, and interpretation processes within a business. Their primary tasks involve organizing data, aligning it with the company’s existing procedures, and creating reports that provide insights and predictions for the business.
Junior Data Scientist
A Junior Data Scientist is an introductory-level position in data science, generally for individuals with little to no more than two years of professional experience.
Primary Responsibilities of Junior Data Scientists
– Data cleaning and preparation
– Model building or prototyping
– Skill development
In larger organizations:
- Concentrate on learning and executing routine tasks.
- Typically, do not assume mentorship roles.
In smaller companies:
- May be responsible for instructing and overseeing interns.
- Engage in more diverse responsibilities compared to their counterparts in larger firms.
Essential Skills That Junior Data Scientists Need
- Proficiency in statistics
- Trend and pattern identification
- Python Programming
- Critical thinking
- Problem-solving
Salary of Junior Data Scientist
In the United States, junior data scientists generally earn an average annual salary of around $98,650, while the most experienced ones can make an average of $147,422 annually, source Glassdoor.
Mid-level Data Scientists
Mid-level data scientists usually have three to five years of experience and are often responsible for tackling more specialized tasks.
Responsibilities of Mid-level Data Scientists
Mid-level Data scientists are responsible for:
- Applying advanced data science techniques (e.g., predictive modeling, statistical modeling, deep learning).
- Conducting exploratory data analysis to unveil hidden patterns.
- Identifying actionable insights to inform the company’s business strategy.
Salary of Mid-level Data Scientists
As of August 26, 2023, mid-level data scientists in the USA typically received an average yearly income of approximately $127,128, equivalent to an hourly rate of $61.12. This translates to about $2,444 per week or $10,594 per month, according to ZipRecruiter.
Senior Data Scientist
Senior Data Scientists jobs are for those who have progressed beyond the entry-level stage, possess extensive experience, and often earn a higher salary.
With generally over two years of professional experience in data science, they are entrusted with more complex responsibilities compared to Junior Data Scientists. Also, they may be mentors or managers, guiding interns, and junior data professionals.
Roles and Responsibilities of Senior Data Scientists
- Identifying Enduring Business Challenges
- Data Preparation Guidance
- Machine Learning Solution Development
- Strategic Direction
- Team Leadership
- Project Management
- Insights Extraction
- Stakeholder Communication
- Model Evaluation and Testing
- Ethical Data Practices
- Continuous Learning
- Decision-Making Authority
Prerequisites for Senior Data Scientists Jobs:
- A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as data science, computer science, statistics, or a related area.
Hard Skills of Senior Data Scientists Jobs:
- Proficiency in advanced data analysis, cleaning, and preparation techniques.
- Knowledge of machine learning, deep learning, and various modeling tools.
- Expertise in programming and scripting languages like C++, Java, Python, R, Scala, SAS, and SQL.
- Experience with statistical analysis and modeling methods.
Soft Skills of Senior Data Scientists jobs:
- Strong analytical thinking abilities.
- Effective project management skills.
- Exceptional problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Tools and Programs Used by Senior Data Scientists:
- C++
- Java
- Python
- PyTorch
- R
- Scala
- SAS
- SQL
- Tableau
- TensorFlow
Salary of Senior Data Scientist
The average Salary of Senior Data Scientist jobs in the US is between $134,675 to $146,806 a year (Source- Payscale)
Conclusion
The field of data science offers a promising career path with junior, mid-level, and senior data scientist jobs. Junior data scientists start with basic tasks, mid-level professionals handle specialized work, and senior data scientists lead and mentor. The qualifications and fundamental competencies for data science in 2023 lay the groundwork for achievement and expansion in this fast-paced industry. Programming, math, and statistics expertise create a solid basis, and cutting-edge ideas like deep learning and big data technology open new areas for investigation. To succeed and stay ahead of the competition, data scientists must continually upskill, be flexible, and keep abreast with the evolving trends.