Data science is a multidisciplinary approach to extracting actionable insights from the large and ever-increasing volumes of data collected and created by today’s organizations. Data science encompasses preparing data for analysis and processing, performing advanced data analysis, and presenting the results to reveal patterns and enable stakeholders to draw informed conclusions.

Data preparation can involve cleansing, aggregating, and manipulating it to be ready for specific types of processing. Analysis requires the development and use of algorithms, analytics and AI models. It’s driven by software that combs through data to find patterns within to transform these patterns into predictions that support business decision-making. The accuracy of these predictions must be validated through scientifically designed tests and experiments. And the results should be shared through the skillful use of data visualization tools that make it possible for anyone to see the patterns and understand trends.

As a result, data scientists (as data science practitioners are called) require computer science and pure science skills beyond those of a typical data analyst. A data scientist must be able to do the following:

• Apply mathematics, statistics, and the scientific method
• Use a wide range of tools and techniques for evaluating and preparing data—everything from SQL to data mining to data integration methods
• Extract insights from data using predictive analytics and artificial intelligence (AI), including machine learning and deep learning models
• Write applications that automate data processing and calculations
• Tell—and illustrate—stories that clearly convey the meaning of results to decision-makers and stakeholders at every level of technical knowledge and understanding
• Explain how these results can be used to solve business problems

This combination of skills is rare, and it’s no surprise that data scientists are currently in high demand.

Data scientists know how to use their skills in math, statistics, programming, and other related subjects to organize large data sets. Then, they apply their knowledge to uncover solutions hidden in the data to take on business challenges and goals. As per research conducted by IBM, Data Scientist is one of the most trending jobs of the 21st century.

Data science experts are needed in virtually every job sector—not just in technology. In fact, the five biggest tech companies—Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook—only employ one half of one percent of U.S. employees. However—in order to break into these high-paying, in-demand roles—an advanced education is generally required.

Here are some of the leading data science careers you can break into with an advanced degree.

1. Data Scientist

Average Salary: $139,840

Typical Job Requirements: Find, clean, and organize data for companies. Data scientists will need to be able to analyze large amounts of complex raw and processed information to find patterns that will benefit an organization and help drive strategic business decisions. Compared to data analysts, data scientists are much more technical.

2. Machine Learning Engineer

Average Salary: $114,826

Typical Job Requirements: Machine learning engineers create data funnels and deliver software solutions. They typically need strong statistics and programming skills, as well as a knowledge of software engineering. In addition to designing and building machine learning systems, they are also responsible for running tests and experiments to monitor the performance and functionality of such systems.

3. Machine Learning Scientist

Average Salary: $114,121

Typical Job Requirements: Research new data approaches and algorithms to be used in adaptive systems including supervised, unsupervised, and deep learning techniques. Machine learning scientists often go by titles like Research Scientist or Research Engineer.

4. Applications Architect

Average Salary: $113,757

Typical Job Requirements: Track the behavior of applications used within a business and how they interact with each other and with users. Applications architects are focused on designing the architecture of applications as well, including building components like user interface and infrastructure.

5. Enterprise Architect

Average Salary: $110,663

Typical Job Requirements: An enterprise architect is responsible for aligning an organization’s strategy with the technology needed to execute its objectives. To do so, they must have a complete understanding of the business and its technology needs in order to design the systems architecture required to meet those needs.

6. Data Architect

Average Salary: $108,278

Typical Job Requirements: Ensure data solutions are built for performance and design analytics applications for multiple platforms. In addition to creating new database systems, data architects often find ways to improve the performance and functionality of existing systems, as well as working to provide access to database administrators and analysts.

7. Infrastructure Architect

Average Salary: $107,309

Typical Job Requirements: Oversee that all business systems are working optimally and can support the development of new technologies and system requirements. A similar job title is Cloud Infrastructure Architect, which oversees a company’s cloud computing strategy.

8. Data Engineer

Average Salary: $102,864

Typical Job Requirements: Perform batch processing or real-time processing on gathered and stored data. Data engineers are also responsible for building and maintaining data pipelines which create a robust and interconnected data ecosystem within an organization, making information accessible for data scientists.

9. Business Intelligence (BI) Developer

Average Salary: $81,514

Typical Job Requirements: BI developers design and develop strategies to assist business users in quickly finding the information they need to make better business decisions. Extremely data-savvy, they use BI tools or develop custom BI analytic applications to facilitate the end-users’ understanding of their systems.

10. Statistician

Average Salary: $76,884

Typical Job Requirements: Statisticians work to collect, analyze, and interpret data in order to identify trends and relationships which can be used to inform organizational decision-making. Additionally, the daily responsibilities of statisticians often include design data collection processes, communicating findings to stakeholders, and advising organizational strategy.

11. Data Analyst

Average Salary: $62, 453

Typical Job Requirements: Transform and manipulate large data sets to suit the desired analysis for companies. For many companies, this role can also include tracking web analytics and analyzing A/B testing. Data analysts also aid in the decision-making process by preparing reports for organizational leaders which effectively communicate trends and insights gleaned from their analysis.

Top Industries with Data Science jobs

1. BFSI
2. Media & Entertainment
3. Healthcare
4. Retail
5. Telecommunications 
6. Automotive 
7. Digital Marketing
8. Professional Services
9. Cyber Security
10. Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction