Launch your career as a
Data Scientist

Break into data science with the skills employers want. Learn how to enter the industry, switch fields, or advance your career as a data scientist.

What does a data scientist do?

Data science is a dynamic field that blends research, engineering, and communication to build predictive models, identify patterns, and generate insights to inform business decisions.

As a data scientist, you will identify valuable data and collect, clean, and organize it. You will write code, apply statistics, and use machine learning to predict trends, optimize processes, create products, or inform strategy.

You will present your findings to stakeholders through data visualizations like graphs and live dashboards. Most data scientists work on cross-functional teams, and the role isn't one-size-fits-all. In entertainment, fintech, healthcare, or manufacturing, if strategy depends on data, data scientists are behind it.

Programs that can prepare you for a data scientist role

Business Intelligence and Visualization Analyst LEA.CV Profile: Data Science

8 Months

Start Date: Feb 13, 2026

View Program

Master Certificate in Machine Learning & Data Science

6 Months

Start Anytime

View Program

Business Intelligence and Visualization Analyst LEA.CV Profile: Business Intelligence Analyst/Developer

8 Months

Start Date: Feb 13, 2026

View Program

Master Certificate in Business Intelligence & Data Visualization

6 Months

Start Anytime

View Program

What do you need to learn to work as a data scientist?

Essential technical skills

Programming languages (Python, R)

SQL and database querying

Machine learning (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Statistical analysis and modeling

Data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)

Soft skills

Critical thinking and problem-solving

Written and verbal communication skills to explain findings to nontechnical stakeholders

Collaboration

Domain (industry) knowledge

Business acumen

Required education

Bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, statistics, or mathematics

Depending on the role, employers may prefer candidates with a master's or doctoral degree

Azure, AWS, or TensorFlow certifications

Data scientist industry insights

Demand for data scientists is growing fast. According to the BLS, positions for these professionals are projected to grow 36% between 2023 and 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

And that growth isn't just coming from tech companies. Industries like healthcare, manufacturing, aerospace, and finance are racing to implement AI and machine learning automation and develop new products, additional revenue streams, and market trend forecasts.

Industries like aerospace, healthcare, financial services, and manufacturing are huge right now. When evaluating data scientist jobs, you ask yourself:

What industry am I interested in or open to working in?
Where is that industry concentrated?
What's the cost of living in that location?
How does the local job market look for data talent?

Key takeaways

Competitive pay across industries
High demand in sectors beyond tech
Transferable skills in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and business
Clear pathways for growth and specialization

Top 5 paying industries for data scientists

Industry	Annual median wage (May 2024)
Taxi and rideshare service companies	$206,170
Streaming, media, and social media organizations	$172,280
General merchandise retailers	$164,350
Web search portals, libraries, archives, and other information services	$164,320
Software publishers	$161,890

Data scientist career track

Data science is a booming industry, one of the few projected to remain stable for workers despite the widespread adoption of AI.

As you grow in your data science career, developing skills in AI, machine learning, and business strategy, along with deep domain knowledge, can unlock new job opportunities and set you on a clear path to advancement.

Some data scientists pivot into focused areas like machine learning or R&D. Others follow a more linear path with time, experience, and strategic skill-building.

Below is the common career track for data scientists, from entry-level to senior leadership jobs:

Early career roles
(0–2 years)