Top Data Science Career Options in the USA [2025]

Data science careers in the USA are flourishing, courtesy of the growing demand for data-driven decision-making in industries. As companies more than ever depend on data to achieve a competitive advantage, the demand for experienced data scientists just keeps accelerating.

If you're questioning the top career choices following data science or searching for data science careers in the USA for freshers, you're on the right path. This is a lucrative profession with wonderful growth opportunities.

In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 data science jobs in USA, what each role entails, and the expected data scientist salary in the US. Whether you're a fresher or a mid-level professional eyeing data scientist jobs in the USA, this guide will help you align your career goals with the right opportunities in the field.

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Why Pursue Data Science?

In today’s digital economy, data has become one of the most valuable resources. With companies relying heavily on data to make strategic decisions, the demand for skilled data science professionals is growing rapidly across the globe. 

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Here are some key reasons why data science is a booming career:

• Massive Growth Forecast: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 36% growth in data science jobs by 2033.
• High Salary Potential: The average salary for Data Scientists is $127,255 per year, reflecting their high market value. 
• Data Is Everywhere: Organizations are overwhelmed with data and need experts to turn it into useful insights.
• Driving Business and Economy: Data is now central to innovation, strategy, and competitive growth.
• Core to Decision-Making: Data Scientists play a vital role in improving business performance and outcomes.
• Right Time to Start: With increasing adoption across industries, it’s a great time to pursue a career in data science.

Before exploring the Career options in data science, take a look at the demand for Data science jobs in USA.

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Read More To Get A Better Overview: Data Science Vs Business Analytics: Which Career Path Should You Choose?

Demand for Data Science in the US

According to the US Bureau of Statistics reports, over 11.5 million jobs might be created by 2026. Data science careers offer lucrative packages and high job opportunities across a wide range of industries. The Bureau of Labour Statistics (BLS) estimates strong growth for many data science careers. The list of a few of them with their estimated growth rate is given below:

• Market research analysis: 18%
• Computer and information research: 15%
• Computer System analysis: 7%
• Operations research analysis: 25%

Data science professionals are greatly in demand in a range of industries like finance, computer engineering, business analytics, and healthcare, to name a few. The salary offered to these professionals depends on their roles and experience levels. Data scientists have a solid educational background with a master’s degree or PhD, which contributes to their competent skills and expertise that benefit companies. This is why they are offered lucrative and competitive packages.

The average salary offered to a data scientist in the US is $127,255 per year. However, the package offered to data science professionals varies with experience and their working sector. According to BLS, data science professionals in the mathematical science field earn a remuneration of $112,590 per year

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Data Science Career Options in the US

Career options in data science are plenty as the entire economy pivots on data. So let us now look at the different data science career paths and their compensation:

Career options in data science are plenty, as the entire economy pivots on data. So let us now look at the different data science career paths and their compensation:

1. Data Analyst

Data analysts are responsible for the security of the organization’s data. They also help the stakeholders and owners to understand and interpret data to make predictions and decisions. Apart from these, they also develop and maintain databases and systems. In short, they organize data to make it resourceful. They scoop out relevant information and use it to study past trends and forecast future outcomes. 

The average salary offered to data analysts in the US is $127,255 per year. 

Skills required for a data analyst:

1. Programming & Tools: Python, R, MATLAB, SQL

2. Statistical & Mathematical Foundations:  Probability, Linear Algebra, Calculus, Econometrics, Statistical Programming

3. Data Handling & Analysis: Data Cleaning, Database Management, Statistical Visualization

4. Soft Skills: Communication and Critical Thinking

Some of the top US companies hiring for Data Analyst are mentioned below-

• Goldman Sachs
• Forest Park
• Google
• Apple

Minimum qualification for a data analyst-

Bachelor’s degree preferably in Computer Science, IT, Mathematics, or Statistics from a recognised university.

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2. Data Engineer

Data engineers work in various sectors. They develop robust systems that collect, process, and transform raw data into meaningful information that data scientists and business analysts can interpret. The primary responsibility of a data engineer is to make relevant information available to the organization for better performance. Besides this, they also align data architecture with the business requirements with the help of programming languages and tools.

The average salary offered to data engineers in the US is $126,260 per year. 

Some of the skills required for a Data Engineer-

1. Programming Languages: Java, Scala, GoLang, Python

2. Operating Systems & DevOps: Multiple Operating Systems (Linux, Windows, etc.) and DevOps Practices

3. Data & Infrastructure Tools: Analytical / BI Tools, Cloud Computing (AWS, GCP, Azure), Security Management

4. Advanced Technologies: Machine Learning and Statistical Knowledge

Some of the top US companies hiring for Data Engineers are mentioned below-

• Amazon
• PWC
• Capgemini
• Spotify
• Infosys
• Walmart

Minimum qualification required from a Data Engineer-

Bachelor's degree, preferably in computer science, software, computer engineering, statistics, mathematics, or physics.  With the right qualification, the data science scope in the USA is endless. 

3. Statistician

A professional responsible for collecting relevant and valuable data for research is known as a statistician. Their role is crucial in research and academics. In business, they assess, organize, and process data to help in vital business decisions. They also identify past trends and establish a relationship with the present market scenario to predict future outcomes. Designing an efficient process for data collection is also a part of their job profile. 

The average salary offered to statisticians in the US is  $ 89,587 per year.

Some of the skills required for a statistician-

1. Analytical & Statistical Skills: Predictive Modelling, Data Mining, Statistics, Mathematics, Analytical Thinking, Problem-Solving

2. Data Handling & Management: Database Management

Some of the top US companies hiring for Statisticians are mentioned below-

• Amazon
• Google
• Capital One
• Walmart Labs
• Abbott Laboratories

Minimum eligibility requirement-

Bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, computer science, or economics.

4. Database Manager

Database managers maintain an organization’s database. They also collect and report valuable information besides fixing technical glitches associated with the database. Database managers also optimize collected data for future reference and streamline hardware and software systems for the same, based on the company’s requirements. They develop an efficient system that can store, retrieve, and recover valuable data with ease. Data security is also handled by database managers who supervise the performance of the database team every day.

The average salary offered to database managers in the US is $78,356 per year.

Skills required for a Database manager-

1. Data Handling & Management: SQL, Data Modelling and Database Performance

2. Tools & Platforms: Microsoft Excel

3. Analytical & Cognitive Skills: Analytical Thinking

Some of the top US companies hiring for Database Managers are mentioned below-

• HCL Technologies
• Pratt Institute
• The Hamlin School
• The University of Mary
• Dartmouth College

Minimum eligibility for Database Manager-

The scope of data science in usa broadens with a bachelor's in computer science or information technology. 

5. Infrastructure engineer

Infrastructure engineers, also known as cloud engineers, help in the installation, maintenance, and debugging of servers, systems, and cloud computing modules in an organization. They are specialists in server virtualization technologies and create and manage highly secure Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). 

The average salary offered to infrastructure engineers in the US is $127,719 per year.

Some of the skills required for an Infrastructure Engineer- 

1. Systems & Network Management: Operating Systems , Network Protocols, Firewalls, VPNs

2. Database & Resource Management: Database Management Systems (DBMS)
And Enterprise Resources

3. Emerging Technologies: IoT Devices

Some of the top US companies hiring for Infrastructure Engineers are mentioned below-

• Insight Global
• UtilizeCore
• Bank of America
• Twitter
• IBM

Minimum Eligibility requirements- 

The job opportunities for data science in the USA broaden for an Infrastructure Engineer when a candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in technology or computer science. 

6. Data architect

The primary responsibility of a data architect is to develop a robust computer database system that is easily accessible, resourceful, and highly secure. They generate the blueprint for creating, managing, and analyzing the database. Data architects are responsible for designing an entire database framework for an organization. The framework defines all the planning, creating, enabling, maintaining, retrieving, and storing of all relevant data. 

The average salary offered to data architects in the US is $139,060  per year.

1. System & Software Development: Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), Programming Skills and Testing Techniques

2. Database & Design Expertise: Database Design, Data Modelling and Design Techniques

3. Project & Business Acumen: Project Management and Business Skills

Some of the top US companies hiring for Data Architect are mentioned below-

• Cognizant
• MongoDB
• Dice
• Apple

Minimum eligibility requirement-

A data architect’s minimum education requirement is a bachelor’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. 

7. Machine learning Engineer 

Machine learning engineers design and develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms that can assess and make predictions to define machine learning. These engineers must deal with loads of data to scrutinize and organize it while simultaneously running tests and streamlining machine learning models and algorithms. Therefore, they must have exceptional statistical and programming skills to carry out their responsibilities to develop and retrain machine learning systems. 

The average salary offered to machine learning engineers in the US is  $165,183 per year.

Some of the skills required for a Machine Learning Engineer-

1. Core Technical Skills: Machine Learning Algorithms, ML Transformation, Data Structures, Computer Architecture

2. Mathematical & Statistical Knowledge

3. Analytical & Problem-Solving Abilities

Some of the top US companies hiring for Machine learning Engineers are mentioned below-

• Marsh
• Twitter
• Lucid Motors
• Bertrandt Group
• Heal
• Pinterest

Minimum eligibility requirement for a Machine learning engineer-

A Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree in the field is expected from a Machine Learning Engineer. Having sufficient domain experience adds to gaining better opportunities. 

8. Principal Data Scientist

The responsibilities of a lead data scientist include overseeing the data science team, designing projects, and developing analytical models. Their job involves a lot of research and innovation as they study loads of data and look for patterns and relationships essential for data interpretation and modeling. They evaluate an organization’s project management and product development procedures by studying data statistics and market trends. 

The average salary offered to a principal data scientist in the US is $1,64,688 per year.

Skills required from a Principal Data Scientist-

1. Data Handling & Processing: Data Wrangling and Database Management

2. Analytical & Modeling Skills: Machine Learning, Deep Learning and Mathematics

3. Visualization & Communication: Data Visualization, Communicative and Collaborative
4. Technical Infrastructure: Cloud Computing

Some of the top US companies hiring for Principal Data Scientist Engineer  are mentioned below-

• Microsoft
• Boehringer Ingelheim
• BitSight
• CyberCoders
• Harnham
• Mayo Clinic
• TLR Ventures

Minimum education requirement- A Bachelor’s degree is the minimum education requirement for a Principal Data Scientist. The rest, the professionals, must invest their efforts into upskilling and gaining better job opportunities. 

9. Data Warehouse Engineer

A data warehouse engineer is responsible for developing ETL processes, database cubes, managing performance, and designing the dimensions for the table structure. Data warehouse engineers play the role of managers by providing support to data warehouses every day and debugging the errors in the system. They are also responsible for improving data accuracy and organization, and play a key role in making technology-based decisions for the future of the business’s data analysis and reporting. 

The average salary offered to a data warehouse engineer in the US is $121,962 per year.

Some of the skills required of a Data Warehouse Engineer-

1. Data Storage & Organization: Management, Database Design and SQL

2. Project & Service Management

3. Cloud & Security Engineering

Some of the top US companies hiring for Data Warehouse Engineers are mentioned below-

• American Red Cross
• R1 RCM
• Thomson Reuters
• Tory Burch 
• Google
• Zapier

Minimum education requirement-

The minimum education requirement for a Data Warehouse Engineer is a bachelor’s in computer science or a related field. 

10. Business Intelligence Developer

BI developers act as a liaison between data and people who seek data. They are invaluable to people who require data insights but lack the SQL skills essential for query construction. They deploy business intelligence software to interpret and project data for their organization. They develop simple and easily navigable tools and interfaces to simplify data interaction and research. They leverage data to help businesses identify areas that need improvement, study trends, and find potential threats. 

The average salary offered to a business intelligence developer is $106,959 per year.

Some of the skills required from a BI Developer include-

1. Programming & Technical Skills

2. Data Handling & Architecture: Data Management, Data Formatting and Data Warehouse Architecture

3. Analysis & Visualization: Statistical Analysis and Data Visualization

4. Soft Skills: Communication and Problem-Solving

Top US Companies Hiring for Business Intelligence (BI) Developers : 

• Microsoft
• Amazon Web Services (AWS)
• Accenture
• Deloitte
• Google

Minimum education requirement-

A bachelor’s degree in the field of computer science is the minimum education requirement for a BI Developer.

11. Data Modeler

Data modelers design, implement, and manage data models that define how data is stored, connected, and accessed. They are responsible for structuring raw data into usable formats that support database design, data analytics, and business intelligence. Data modelers work closely with database architects, developers, and analysts to ensure data structures align with business requirements. Their work plays a crucial role in ensuring consistency, accuracy, and performance in data-driven environments.

The average salary offered to a Data Modeler is $102,000 per year.

Skills required for a Data Modeler include:

1. Data Modeling & Database Design: Data Modeling (Conceptual, Logical, Physical), Database Design (SQL, NoSQL), ER Diagrams (Entity Relationship), Dimensional Modeling (Star/Snowflake Schemas)

2. Data Warehousing & ETL

3. Soft & Functional Skills: Problem-Solving and Communication and Documentation

Top US Companies Hiring for Data Modelers :

• Amazon
• Google
• Meta (Facebook)
• JP Morgan Chase & Co.
• Oracle

 Minimum education requirement:

A bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is typically required for Data Modelers. Some roles may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or database certification.

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Conclusion

The data science field in the USA is rapidly evolving, offering abundant career opportunities across various industries. With roles like data scientist, data engineer, and AI specialist, professionals can pursue diverse paths with strong growth potential. 

As demand for data-driven decision-making increases, positions in data science continue to provide excellent salary prospects and job security. Whether you're just starting or seeking career advancement, the data science field offers endless possibilities for those ready to dive in.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Book a 1-on-1 counselling session with upGrad's expert advisors and get personalized guidance on the best data science career path and courses that align with your goals. Book your session today!

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