The Best Entry Level Data Science Jobs for 2021

Data science jobs organize and analyze large amounts of data, and some even use processes like machine learning to come up with solutions and new trends that help drive companies forward.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in data science, then here are some of the best entry-level data science jobs that you should know about.

Data Scientist

Job Description: Data scientists have a broad range of duties — consider them a jack of all trades. In addition to finding and organizing large amounts of raw data, they synthesize the information and look for patterns that can help companies make informed business decisions. Furthermore, data scientists have to work on complex algorithms and develop ways to process data.  

Data scientists must have a strong background in a variety of STEM areas — they have to be skilled in statistics, computer science, and linear algebra. They also must know programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Java. 

Salary and Job Opportunities: Data scientists have some of the highest salaries among entry-level data science jobs. According to Glassdoor, data scientists with 0-1 years of experience earn an average base pay of $95,543 per year.

Some may work in tech companies like Facebook, Oracle, or Google. However, there are also opportunities outside of the tech industry. Retail and medical industries, for instance, also have a growing need for data scientists because these sectors also have large amounts of data. 

Data Analyst

Job Description: Data analysts also have to organize and analyze data to predict trends. However, they are not required to build machine learning systems or work on the more technical duties that other entry-level data science jobs have to fulfill. They also do not require a background in math or computer science, like data scientists or other careers. Instead, a degree in economics or business administration is preferred. 

Data analysts need to maintain the database systems that they work on and create reports based on their findings. Therefore, they must have knowledge of programming languages like SQL, R, or Python as well as other spreadsheet tools like Google Sheets. 

Salary and Job Opportunities: Entry-level data analysts earn $52,572 annually, according to Glassdoor. Some of the most popular companies to work for are Bloomberg L.P., Capital One, and Cisco Systems. 

There is also room for growth if you become a data analyst. With some experience, you have the potential of transitioning into a higher-paying job and becoming a data scientist or statistician. 

Machine Learning Engineer

Job Description: Machine learning engineers utilize their skills in software engineering and data science to build programs and models that analyze data. 

Machine learning engineers have some duties that overlap with data scientists, but they do not need to understand the statistical analysis that determines how the data will be analyzed nor do they need to interpret and determine trends from the data. 

People who are interested in becoming machine learning engineers need to get a degree in computer science or mathematics. Furthermore, they must know programming languages like Python and R and have experience with frameworks like TensorFlow.

Salary and Job Opportunities: The annual salary for entry-level machine learning engineers is $95,324. Since this is an emerging job opportunity in the technology industry, many big tech companies such as Apple, Facebook, and Twitter are offering competitive high salaries.

Mathematicians and Statisticians

Job Description: Mathematicians and statisticians apply their knowledge of mathematical concepts to analyze data. They conduct surveys or polls to collect data and then develop mathematical models to draw conclusions about the data gathered. 

Becoming a mathematician or statistician requires significant higher education study. Most people who work in the industry have either received their master’s degree or a doctorate. Mathematicians and statisticians should have a solid understanding of linear algebra and calculus. Having experience with any programming languages is also helpful. 

Salary and Job Opportunities: The annual median wage for mathematicians and statisticians is $105,030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Mathematicians and statisticians also have some of the best job outlooks in the tech sector. Employment for these jobs is expected to grow 33% from 2019 to 2029.

Mathematicians can work in many fields but in regards to technology, they primarily help with the research and development stages. 

Database Administrator

Job Description: Database administrators help ensure that data remains secure. They create and provide maintenance for databases to make sure things are always up to date and running well. They will also assist data analysts to navigate through the system.

Database administrators tend to work in systems or applications, so it is best if they have a degree in computer science or a related field. Since they are primarily working with databases, they also should be an expert at SQL. 

Salary and Job Opportunities: Database administrators earn an average annual wage of $93,750, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  Employment is also expected to grow 10% in the next couple of years. Since data protection and security are becoming increasingly important in the technology industry, database administrators are integral to making sure the data is properly stored and protected.

If you’re interested in a job in data science, WOZ U training is available to you at home or anywhere with an internet connection from many of our higher education partners. Learn more about our powered by WOZ Data Science program.

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Sophia Acevedo is a journalist based in Southern California. She is a 2020 graduate from California State University, Fullerton, and a proud Daily Titan alum.