" I have always loved patterns and numbers. I remember being the first person in the class to find the missing number for a sequence or always wanting to arrange my notes in a specific way. So, after high school, I went to college to become a data scientist. During this program, everything clicked, and I knew that this was the right path for me. The fact that I can understand patterns and sequences is very satisfying and it is really cool to be able to solve a problem. I get a thrill being a data scientist, and even though the sequences are now much more in-depth, the investigative spirit is the same and keeps the job interesting."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 15-2051

Data Scientists develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Data analytics
• Data mining
• Documentation analysis
• Manage multiple projects
• SQL queries

General Work Activities:

• Mental Processes
  • Analyze, manipulate, or process large sets of data using statistical software.
• Interacting With Others
  • Deliver oral or written presentations to management or other end users.
  • Recommend data-driven solutions to key stakeholders.
• Information Input
  • Apply feature selection algorithms to models predicting outcomes of interest, such as sales, attrition, and healthcare.
• Work Output
  • Clean and manipulate raw data using statistical software.
  • Create graphs, charts, or other data analysis visualization results using specialized software.
  • Design surveys, polls, and other instruments to collect data.
  • Test, validate, and reformulate models to ensure accurate prediction of outcomes of interest.

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

 

• Midlands
• Upstate
• Trident

 

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• CVS Health
• SAIC
• Oracle
• Humana
• General Motors
• PwC

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Bioinformatics Technicians
• Statisticians
• Financial Quantitative Analysts
• Statistical Assistants
• Biostatisticians
• Business Intelligence Analysts

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

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Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.