To become a data scientist, you'll usually need at least a bachelor's degree in maths, statistics, computer science or a related field, plus programming and statistics skills. Some US employers want a master's or doctorate. In the UK you can also get in through a Data Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship or a master's conversion course after a different degree.
Data scientists use statistics, programming and machine learning to find patterns in data and help organisations make decisions. BLS projects it to grow much faster than the average for all occupations. Here's how to get in, what it pays and where the best-paid roles are, using the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) handbook and the UK National Careers Service, both read in October 2026.
Data science entry routes compared
| US (BLS) | UK (National Careers Service) | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical entry | Bachelor's degree, sometimes a master's or doctorate | Degree or postgraduate qualification |
| Common subjects | Mathematics, statistics, computer science, business, engineering | Maths, statistics, data science, computer science, operational research |
| No-degree or career-change route | Not described | Degree apprenticeships, a master's conversion course or the Civil Service Fast Stream |
| Experience | Some employers want industry experience | An internship or placement gives you an advantage |
The American path: degree first
- Start with the maths. BLS suggests linear algebra, calculus, and probability and statistics in high school.
- Earn a relevant degree. Mathematics, statistics and computer science are the most common, with business and engineering also listed.
- Learn the tools. At college level BLS says you'll need data-oriented programming languages plus statistical, database and presentation software.
- Pick up industry knowledge. Some employers want sector experience. BLS gives the example of asset management firms wanting finance experience or coursework in investments or banking.
- Consider a master's. Some employers require or prefer a master's or doctoral degree, especially for more advanced roles.
British routes, including apprenticeships
The National Careers Service lists four routes:
- University: a degree or postgraduate qualification in maths, statistics, data science, computer science or operational research. Physics, engineering or psychology can help too, because they include a lot of statistics.
- Conversion course: graduates of other subjects can take a postgraduate master's conversion course into AI and data science.
- Apprenticeship: options include the Data Engineer Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship, the Data Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Specialist Level 7 Professional Apprenticeship. These can take 2 to 3 years.
- Civil Service Fast Stream: you can apply to work in data if you have a degree, a postgraduate award or a completed degree apprenticeship.
You can also apply directly if you already have the right data skills, with roles in the NHS, financial and professional services firms, IT companies, retailers and government departments.
Data scientist salary by employer
As of October 2026, BLS gives a median annual wage of $120,230 for data scientists in May 2025, more than double the $50,980 median for all occupations. The lowest 10% earned less than $67,240 and the highest 10% more than $199,130.
Where you work makes a big difference:
| Employer type (US, May 2025) | Share of jobs (%) | Median annual wage |
|---|---|---|
| Publishing, broadcasting and content providers | 12 | $142,240 |
| Computer systems design and related services | 10 | $132,380 |
| Credit intermediation and related activities | 6 | $129,490 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 10 | $128,050 |
| Insurance carriers and related activities | 10 | $108,650 |
The catch here is that insurance is one of the biggest employers but pays the least of the top industries listed, well below publishing and content providers. If you're choosing where to specialise, that gap is worth knowing about.
Job outlook
BLS projects data scientist jobs to grow 35% from 2025 to 2035, from 275,600 to 371,000, with about 24,800 openings a year. It links the growth to more demand for data-driven decisions and to businesses building AI into how they work.
That AI link is the part I'd watch. If businesses are building AI into their work, knowing how to use AI tools well becomes part of the job. My guide to the best AI tools for data scientists covers the ones worth learning, and if you're weighing up where to work, see how remote data science jobs differ from office roles.
Day to day in a data team
BLS says data scientists typically work in an office and most work full time. The UK National Careers Service adds that you'll find roles across the NHS, finance, IT, retail and government, so the same skills can take you into very different sectors. That's useful if you're not sure yet which industry you want, because you can move between them once you've got experience.
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Don't underestimate the communication side. Your analysis only matters if the people making decisions understand it, so being able to explain a finding in plain English, with a clear chart, is as much part of the job as writing the code.
The toolkit employers look for
- statistics and probability
- programming in a data-oriented language
- working with databases
- presenting findings clearly to people who aren't data specialists
- knowledge of the industry you work in
My verdict
The degree is still the main door into data science in the US, and a master's helps for senior roles. In the UK the apprenticeship and conversion-course routes make it more open. Wherever you are, build a portfolio of real projects, learn the AI tools that are changing the work, and think about which industry you want, because it can change your pay by tens of thousands.
Weather forecasting is one place where data skills are put to use, and the meteorologist guide explains the career.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a degree to be a data scientist?
In the US, BLS says you typically need at least a bachelor's degree. In the UK, the National Careers Service lists degree apprenticeships, such as the Data Scientist Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, as another route.
Can I become a data scientist with a different degree?
Yes. In the UK, graduates of other subjects can take a postgraduate master's conversion course into AI and data science, according to the National Careers Service.
How much do data scientists make?
As of October 2026, BLS gives a median annual wage of $120,230 for data scientists in May 2025, with the highest 10% earning more than $199,130.
Is data science a growing field?
Yes. BLS projects 35% job growth from 2025 to 2035, with about 24,800 openings a year.
How long is a data science apprenticeship?
The National Careers Service says the data apprenticeships it lists can take between 2 and 3 years to complete.
