With big data analytics becoming more and more an essential part of any business or organization, jobs in big data are growing and so are salaries. The International Data Corporation expects analytics to grow into a $203 billion industry by 2020, and IBM estimates that jobs in the industry will expand from 2.3 to 2.7 million in the same time frame. High demand for these jobs along with the high productivity they offer ultimately means high salaries for individuals looking to enter the field of data analytics. Here are 5 of the best career options in big data to consider a big data course:
1. Big Data Engineer
Big data engineers can perform the same analysis as a data analyst but are mainly responsible developing, maintaining, and testing the performance of the big data solutions of a company. For this they require skills in software development and knowledge of the necessary hardware for developing data solutions. Big data engineers have knowledge of programming languages like Java, Linux, C++, PHP, Ruby, Python and R. The average salary for a big data engineer on Glassdoor is $138,000 a year.
2. Data Scientist
Data scientists are responsible for retrieving data for a company and determining the best ways to analyze it and create value out of it. Through data mining, they examine large and complex databases in order to generate new insights. Typically, a data scientist should be well-versed in machine learning tools and techniques, algorithms, and predictive models. The average salary for data scientist jobs on Glassdoor is $121,000 a year. Salaries for data scientists have seen the highest percentage increase of all big data jobs in recent years.
3. Data Architect
Data architects work with both with both the company management and big data analysts to design and maintain the company’s data architecture. Additionally, they are responsible for integrating data from multiple, unrelated data sources so that it can be used by data analysts and by those carrying out the business plans of the company. According to Glassdoor the average salary for data architect positions is $107,000.
4. Database Developer
Database developers analyze databases not for statistical purposes but for streamlining and updating them. They have computer skills in troubleshooting, getting rid of bugs and inefficient code, and managing security for databases. For this they need knowledge of the relevant computer programming languages. SQL is the most common programming language database developers use. Java, C++, Python, and Ruby are also useful languages for database developers. The average salary for database developers on Glassdoor is $86,000, and many can expect to earn over six figures, like the other fast growing big data jobs.
5. Data Analyst
Data analysts perform the majority of the statistical analysis that a company needs. Using the datasets provided to them, they can help a company make better decisions about how to determine prices, reduce costs, improve productivity and more. They are able to relay the methods and results of their analysis to company managers and employees in terms others can understand. Data analysts may have a bachelor’s degree in math, statistics, computer science or a related field. Taking a big data course helps as well. A master’s degree is required for most upper-level analyst jobs. Data analysts can expect to make between $65,000 to $120,000 a year.
