8 Jobs You Can Get with a Bachelor's Degree in Data Science

In the dynamic field of data science in the USA, opportunities abound for graduates with a Bachelor's degree. With a projected 22% growth in employment from 2020 to 2030, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations, the job market is ripe for entry-level professionals.

• In this interactive guide, we'll explore 8 in-demand jobs that you can pursue with a bachelor's degree in data science. From data analysts to business intelligence specialists, these positions offer the chance to leverage your analytical skills and technical expertise to drive innovation and solve complex problems across various industries. Each job title below to learn more about the responsibilities, required skills, earning potential, and job outlook for these data science-related careers:
• Data Analyst
• Data Engineer
• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Marketing Analyst
• Financial Analyst
• Operations Research Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Statistician

As you navigate these options, it's crucial to consider how your unique interests, strengths, and career goals align with the various paths available to a data science bachelor's degree holder. This interactive guide is designed to provide you with the insights you need to make a well-informed decision about the next step in your data-driven career journey. 

Data Analyst

 Data analysts collect, organize, and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. The Data Analyst Job duties include:

• Gathering and cleaning data from various sources
• Performing statistical analysis and data modeling
• Identifying trends, patterns, and insights within the data
• Presenting findings and recommendations to stakeholders

You'll need strong SQL, data visualization, and statistical analysis skills to succeed as a data analyst. A bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, or a related field can provide the necessary foundation.

The median annual salary for data analysts in the United States is around $63,000, with the top 10% earning over $100,000. The job outlook is also promising, with employment projected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Data Engineer

Data engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that powers an organization's data-driven initiatives. Their key responsibilities include:

• Developing and optimizing data pipelines and data warehouses.
• Ensuring the reliability, scalability, and security of data systems
• Integrating and transforming data from various sources
• Collaborating with data scientists and analysts to support their needs.

You'll need a strong computer science, programming, and data management foundation to become a data engineer. A bachelor's degree in data science, computer engineering, or a related field can provide the necessary skills.

The median annual salary for data engineers in the United States is around $102,000, with the top 10% earning over $150,000. The job outlook is also positive, with employment projected to grow 22% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Business Intelligence Analyst

Business intelligence (BI) analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make more informed business decisions. Their key duties include:

• Designing and implementing BI systems and dashboards.
• Gathering and analyzing data from various sources
• Identifying trends, patterns, and insights that can inform strategic planning
• Presenting findings and recommendations to executives and stakeholders

You'll need technical skills (e.g. data modeling, SQL, visualization tools) and business acumen to succeed as a BI analyst. A bachelor's degree in data science, business analytics, or a related field can provide the necessary foundation.

The median annual salary for BIanalysts in the United States is around $73,000, with the top 10% earning over$115,000. The job outlook is also positive, with employment projected to grow 14% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Marketing Analyst

Marketing analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make more informed marketing decisions. Their key duties include:

• Gathering and analyzing data on customer behavior, market trends, and campaign performance
• Developing and implementing data-driven marketing strategies
• Identifying opportunities for improving marketing effectiveness and ROI
• Presenting findings and recommendations to marketing and sales teams

To become a marketing analyst, you'll need a combination of data analysis skills and marketing expertise. A bachelor's degree in data science, marketing, or a related field can provide the necessary foundation.

The median annual salary for marketing analysts in the United States is around $63,000, with the top 10% earning over $100,000. The job outlook is also positive, with employment projected to grow 17% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts provide financial guidance and recommendations to organizations and individuals. Their key duties include:

Analyzing financial data and market trends

• Developing financial models and forecasts
• Assessing the performance and risk of investments
• Presenting findings and recommendations to clients and stakeholders

To become a financial analyst, you'll need a strong background in finance, accounting, and data analysis. A bachelor's degree in data science, finance, or a related field can provide the necessary foundation.

The median annual salary for financial analysts in the United States is around $81,000, with the top 10% earning over $156,000. The job outlook is also positive, with employment projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031, faster than the average for all occupations. 

Operations Research Analyst

Operations research analysts are responsible for using data and analytical methods to help organizations solve complex problems and improve their efficiency. Their key duties include:

• Collecting and analyzing data to identify problems and opportunities.
• Developing mathematical models and simulations to test solutions
• Collaborating with stakeholders to implement recommended changes
• Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of implemented solutions

To become an operations research analyst, you'll need a strong background in data analysis, mathematics, and problem-solving. A bachelor's degree in data science, operations research, or a related field can provide the necessary foundation.

The median annual salary for operations research analysts in the United States is around $84,000, with the top 10% earning over $134,000. The job outlook is also positive, with employment projected to grow 25% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Data Scientist

Data scientists extract insights and knowledge from complex data sets to help organizations make more informed decisions. Their key duties include:

• Collecting, cleaning, and preprocessing data from various sources
• Developing and implementing advanced statistical and machine learning models
• Interpreting data to identify patterns, trends, and insights
• Communicating findings and recommendations to stakeholders

You'll need a strong data analysis, programming, and machine learning foundation to become a data scientist. A bachelor's degree in data science, computer science, or a related field can provide the necessary skills.

The median annual salary for data scientists in the United States is around $103,000, with the top 10% earning over $156,000. The job outlook is also positive, with employment projected to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. 

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make informed decisions. Their key duties include:

• Designing and implementing statistical studies and surveys
• Analyzing data using advanced statistical methods and software
• Interpreting results and communicating findings to stakeholders
• Providing recommendations based on statistical insights

To become a statistician, you'll need a strong background in mathematics, statistics, and data analysis. A bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, or a related field can provide the necessary foundation.

The median annual salary for statisticians in the United States is around $92,000, with the top 10% earning over $149,000. The job outlook is also positive, with employment projected to grow 30% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Job Market Outlook for Data Science in the USA

The demand for data science professionals in the United States will increase in the coming years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Employment of data scientists and mathematical scientists (including statisticians) is projected to grow 36% from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations.
• This growth is driven by the increasing volume of generated data and the need for organizations to extract insights and value from this data.
• The median annual salary for data and mathematical scientists was $103,390 in 2021, significantly higher than the median annual salary for all occupations.

Additionally, a report by IBM found that the number of data science and analytics job listings in the U.S. grew by over 46% between 2020 and 2022, further highlighting the strong demand for these skills.

The robust job market and high earning potential make data science an attractive career path for those with a bachelor's degree. By leveraging their technical expertise and analytical abilities, data science graduates can find rewarding opportunities across various industries, from technology and finance to healthcare and marketing.