Gone are the days when landing a government job was considered a major achievement. Both government and private sector jobs have pros and cons. Hence, choose your career based on your aspirations, passions, and interests.

The technology landscape is transforming rapidly, with new technologies being introduced regularly. In this tech revolution, data scientists are at the forefront. The data science field includes innovations such as artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine learning, etc., all of which have various implementations.

If you still have doubts about your career options, consider data science. Read the below list for the top ten job opportunities and the average pay for each role. 

1. Data Analyst

Data analysts are senior-level executives who modify big data sets. By interpreting data, these analysts help organizations make better business decisions. Regarded as one of the best career options, data analytics job options are expected to grow to $118.7 billion by 2026. 

Skills and qualifications: This role requires a bachelor’s degree as the minimum qualification, with thorough knowledge of tracking web analytics and A/B testing. Skills in SQL, Oracle, Python, etc., are preferred.

Salary: The average data analyst earns Rs. 4.3 lakhs per year.

2. Data Scientist

Compared to a data analyst, a data scientist is a more technical career. Data scientists not only help organizations solve complex problems but also decide how data can help achieve the organization's goals. Data scientists thus uncover valuable trends and patterns from vast data sets.

Skills and qualifications: A master’s degree or PhD is preferred for senior job opportunities. Candidates must know languages such as Java, R, Python, and SQL. 

Salary: The average data scientist's salary is Rs. 10.5 lakhs per year.

3. Data Engineer

A data engineer manages the organizational database infrastructure. In other words, data engineers establish the foundation of database architecture and develop the database from scratch. Hence, they build free-flowing data for real-time analytics, maintain data management systems, and create data analytics tools.

Skills and qualifications: A background in software engineering or computer science is a prerequisite for this role. MySQL, Scala, Hadoop, R, Python, Pig, and PL/SQL are the skills required.

Salary: The average salary is around Rs. 8.2 lakhs.

4. Data Modeller

 A data modeler translates real-world business requirements into data models. They design, document, and implement data modelling solutions. Thus, they build data flows and develop conceptual data models that can be used by computer systems. These solutions support the organization's business interests.

Skills and qualifications: A computer science degree with skills in data modelling solutions, RDBMSes, data warehouses, and NoSQL databases. 

Salary:  An average yearly salary of Rs. 14.8 lakhs

5. Data Warehouse Architect

Just as traditional architects design buildings, data warehouse architects design data warehouses. They customize and create solutions for data warehouses to meet the organization's needs while maintaining raw data and metadata secure and accessible.

Skills and qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in IT or Computer Sciences is the minimum qualification required. Knowledge in SQL, PL/SQL, Python, Cobol, Git, TFS, and JIRA is preferred.

Salary: The average data warehouse architect's salary is Rs.11.2 lakhs per year.

6. Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning (ML), a part of artificial intelligence (AI), uses algorithms to explain how humans learn and recreates it in machines to improve their learning ability. Thus, ML engineers research, build, and design AI. As machine learning is an area interconnected with almost every business sector, the demand for machine learning engineers is expected to rise. 

Skills and qualifications: Software engineers with experience in ML are preferred. Candidates must have basic skills like Python, Java, MATLAB and C++.

Salary: Average salary is Rs. 7.5 lakhs per year.

7. Machine Learning Scientist

ML scientist is a research-related career option. These scientists are responsible for researching new approaches to machine learning techniques. ML scientists are in high demand in the current job market as organisations are keen to adopt ML-powered tools to add automation to their processes.

Skills and qualifications: A bachelor’s degree or PhD in machine learning or computer science is needed. The skills required are OpenCV, C++, Unix, AI, etc.

Salary: The average salary is Rs. 9 lakhs per year.

8. Statistician

A statistician collects accurate data, processes it, and analyses it to make critical business decisions. Statistician job opportunities are expected to increase by 30% in the next five years. This high-demand role is fast-paced and highly technical.

Skills and qualifications: Minimum bachelor’s degree, with a solid foundation in mathematical abilities like probability, linear algebra, calculus, and statistics.

Salary: The average statistician's salary is Rs. 4.0 Lakhs per annum.

9. Business Analysts

Business analysts are the link between business ideas and business potential. They map out strategic plans for businesses and help explain the future of businesses by identifying, creating, and making valuable changes to organisational processes. By evaluating past and current data, they improve decision-making processes in organizations.

Skills and qualifications: A bachelor’s degree or MBA with a specialization in analytics is preferred. 

Salary: Annual salary of Rs. 7.0 Lakhs is the average.

10. Infrastructure Architect

A person who designs and maintains information systems is an infrastructure architect. They ensure the existing systems support the latest technological requirements. Therefore, they're called the human gatekeepers of the systems.

Skills and qualifications: Degree in computer engineering with training in database administration, system maintenance, and information system development. Knowledge of VMware, Hyper-V, NSX, Linux, Kubernetes, Docker, etc., is an added advantage.

Salary: Annual salary of Rs. 20 lakhs

Conclusion

With the increased utilization of ML and data analytics in business, data science is the most in-demand skill set for many future jobs. Explore different domains in leading data-driven firms with your data science skills.