With the prevalence of so many facts and figures in today’s world, data professionals — especially data specialists — are needed more than ever to help collect, analyze and intercept large amounts of information. If you have a knack for working with numbers and you’re interested in a career with high demand (and the potential for a high salary), this could just be the right role for you.
What Is a Data Specialist?
Data specialists collect, sift through and examine large amounts of data and then present their findings in ways that will help a business or organization. Here are some other definitions that can give you a better sense of the role:
“Data specialists are tasked with overseeing the development of new databases, monitoring database performance and interpreting raw data and turning it into usable feedback and applications. A data specialist knows what all the numbers and patterns mean and can communicate the findings in layman’s terms.” — CompTIA
“A database specialist is responsible for the storage, retrieval, and security of digital data.” — ZipRecruiter
“Data specialists work with data to help organizations make informed decisions. They use their expertise to collect, analyze, and interpret large amounts of data, and then present their findings in a clear and concise manner.” — Zippia
What Does a Data Specialist Do?
The exact duties will depend on the position, but in general, data specialists are responsible for the following:
- Collecting, analyzing and interpreting large amounts of data
- Presenting their findings in an easily understandable format
- Working with an assortment of tools and technologies
- Developing data-related strategies
Skills, Education and Experience Needed
Skills
While proficiency in data is essential for the role, many other types of skills and expertise are also needed. These include:
- Data and information visualization
- Technical aptitude in areas like science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
- Artificial intelligence/machine learning
- Data analysis
- Programming languages (R, Python, SQL, etc.)
- Data visualization
- Knowledge of statistical methods and data analysis
- Critical thinking
- Good communication
- Organization
- Problem-solving
Education
Most roles typically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, statistics or a related field. Entry-level positions may only ask for an associate’s degree, whereas senior-level roles may require a master’s degree.
Certifications are also common among data specialists. Popular options include:
Experience
How much experience is required will depend on the position. Mid-to-senior level roles will typically require at least five years of experience; some roles may require a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience or a high school diploma and more experience in lieu of a degree.
Career Path and Job Titles
If you’ve searched for data-related positions, you probably know there’s a variety of roles and careers that are similar to data specialists. These titles include:
If you type in “data specialist” to a job search engine, you’re likely to receive a range of closely-related job titles. Examples include:
- Data strategist
- Data protection specialist
- Data management specialist
- Data scientist and visualization specialist
- Big data specialist
- Data integration specialist
- Data governance lead
Salary and Job Outlook
It’s important to note that your data specialist salary will depend on many different factors, including the company, your responsibilities, how much experience is required and where the role is located. Here are some examples to keep in mind:
- A range of $40,000 to $116,000 with an average salary of $68,326 (Zippia)
- A total pay range of $51,000 to $85,000 with a median total pay of $66,000 per year. (Glassdoor)
The outlook for data-related jobs is extremely promising, with select positions projected to grow anywhere from 10% to 36% between 2021 and 2031. In addition, several positions are near the top of U.S. New & World Report’s list of 100 Best Jobs, including data scientist, statistician and operations research analyst.
7 Steps to Becoming a Data Specialist
Are you interested in getting started? Here’s what you need to know:
- Obtain a relevant undergraduate degree. Common options for data specialists include computer science, information systems, statistics or a related field.
- Consider pursuing an advanced degree. An advanced degree in data science or computer science may be required for certain senior-level positions. Even if it isn’t, a master’s degree demonstrates your commitment to continued learning and can set you apart from other candidates.
- Obtain relevant certifications. This falls along the same lines as advanced education. Certain certifications may be required, but even if they aren’t, they can provide you with additional knowledge that can give you a competitive edge in the job market.
- Gain relevant experience. You want to find a position that allows you to develop your programming skills and enhances your overall knowledge of data, mathematics and statistics. Don’t underestimate the value of an internship, which can provide experience and mentorship.
- Explore specializations. There are many subdisciplines within data, such as machine learning, data analytics or business intelligence.
- Connect with others in the field. Join professional associations and form valuable connections on LinkedIn.
- Ensure you are continuously learning. The world of data is constantly evolving, which means it’s important to keep up to date on the latest trends, skills and technologies.
Top Companies That Are Hiring
Since companies and organizations across all industries use data in some form, positions can be found in nearly every sector, including education, healthcare, finance, banking, retail, insurance, sports and more.
Here are some examples of top companies that are hiring for these types of roles:
- Prudential Financial
- National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
- Beth Israel Lahey Health
- Booz Allen Hamilton
- Boeing
- Princeton University
- Johnson & Johnson
- Fanatics
If you’re thinking about a career in data, consider the value of a data-related master’s degree, which can provide essential knowledge and skills and help you achieve your goal of becoming a data specialist. As you consider advanced education opportunities, consider these seven questions to help you choose the applied science master’s degree program right for you.