Data Scientist Career Assessment
Finding answers in data — ND in-demand occupation
Welcome
Data scientists use math, statistics, and computers to find patterns and answers in large amounts of data.
This is one of the fastest-growing jobs in North Dakota. You will explore whether it fits you.
This takes about 15 minutes.
What is a Data Scientist?
A data scientist collects and cleans data, analyzes it with statistics and code, builds prediction models (including AI and machine learning), and explains what the results mean.
The Reality: Most of the work is cleaning messy data. You need strong math and statistics, plus the ability to explain results to people who are not "data people."
Your Responsibilities:
- Collect and clean data
- Analyze data with statistics
- Write code in Python, R, or SQL
- Build prediction and machine learning models
- Create charts and dashboards
- Explain findings to leaders
- Test if models are accurate
- Protect private data
You turn data into decisions.
A Day in the Life
8:30 AM — Check a model that predicts crop yields.
9:30 AM — Clean a messy dataset from three sources.
11:30 AM — Run statistical tests.
12:30 PM — Lunch.
1:30 PM — Build a chart for leadership.
3:00 PM — Explain results in a meeting.
4:00 PM — Document your code.
Analytical, coding, and communication work.
Training in North Dakota
Usually a bachelor's or master's degree. Data science, statistics, math, or computer science degrees are common. Many data scientists have a master's.
Training Pathways:
- Bachelor's in Data Science (4 years): Offered at several ND schools, some online.
- Master's (1–2 years): Common for data scientist roles.
- Start as a data analyst: Then move up.
Where to Train in North Dakota:
- University of North Dakota (Grand Forks or 100% online) — B.S. and M.S. Data Science
- North Dakota State University (Fargo) — Data Science major and M.S. Data Science; Statistics programs
- Minot State University (Minot or online) — B.S. Data Science
- Valley City State University — Data Analytics and Visualization
- Bismarck State College — A.S. Data Science Pathway (transfer)
Before You Start: Strong math (statistics, algebra, calculus helps). Comfort with computers and coding.
Tip: Start with financial aid, scholarships, and any help an employer offers — that is where the money starts. After that, ask a career counselor or Job Service North Dakota whether WIOA or other programs can help with what is left over, like training, exam fees, or a laptop. What can be paid for depends on the program and on your own situation, so ask before you sign up rather than after. Many IT certifications are also sold as low-cost online courses you can do at home.
Certification & Licensing
No license needed. A portfolio of projects matters most. Certifications can help.
Certifications Employers Look For:
- Portfolio of data projects
- AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate
- INFORMS CAP (analytics)
The Exams: Computer-based.
Cost: AWS $150; CAP-Essentials $195–$275. Prices change.
Keeping It Current: Varies.
Salary & Job Outlook
North Dakota Data Scientist Pay (May 2025):
- Starting out (bottom 10–25%): $28.38–$30.90/hour ($59,030–$64,270/year)
- Middle (median — half earn more, half earn less): $39.37/hour ($81,900/year)
- Experienced (top 25–10%): $48.13–$60.92/hour ($100,110–$126,710/year)
What that means: Good pay in ND, though lower than the national median. Remote jobs often pay more.
Jobs in North Dakota: About 330 people do this work in ND today. By 2034, that should be about 430 (about 32% growth). Expect about 30 job openings every year in ND from growth and people retiring or changing jobs. Across the U.S., the change is about 34% growth — much faster than average.
Outlook: Excellent. One of the fastest-growing jobs in ND and the U.S.
Who Hires in ND: Energy, agriculture and ag-tech, health systems, banks and insurance, state government, and technology companies. Many remote jobs.
Work Setting: Offices or remote. Regular hours.
Physical Demands: Light. Desk and screen work.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, North Dakota, May 2025 (SOC 15-2051); North Dakota and U.S. long-term employment projections 2024–2034, via O*NET OnLine. Numbers are rounded.
Where This Leads
Path 1: Machine Learning Engineer — Build AI systems.
Path 2: Senior Data Scientist — Lead projects.
Path 3: Analytics Manager — Lead a team.
Path 4: Research Scientist — With advanced degrees.
The Real Talk
What's Great:
- Very fast growth
- Good pay
- Online degrees in ND
- Interesting problems
- Remote options
- Work in any industry
What's Hard:
- Strong math needed
- Messy data
- Often need a master's
- Competitive entry
- Constant learning
Be Honest: Do you enjoy math and statistics? Are you ready for a bachelor's and maybe a master's? Can you explain complex results simply?