How to become a Data Scientist
Applies analytical techniques and scientific procedures to datasets by creating algorithms and using statistical models. Builds and deploys analytics frameworks, such as machine learning, to obtain information for strategic planning and decision-making.
Main tasks
- Prepares data for analysis, cleans data, and recognises and overcomes data anomalies
- Applies analytics techniques that incorporate mathematical, statistical, programming and database skills
- Builds and deploys machine learning and artificial intelligence frameworks
- Applies models to data, and evaluates and adjusts models to discover trends and extract insights
- Presents data-driven findings and outcomes to key decision-makers and stakeholders
- Provides strategic input and innovation to organisational data science initiatives
Ways in
- University: Computing & IT degrees, Offered by 39 universities in Australia
- University: Mathematics & Statistics degrees
- TAFE and VET: Advanced Diploma of Business (BSB60120); Advanced Diploma of Information Technology (ICT60220)
Pay · Outlook · AI and this job
- Typical full-time pay: $107,744 a year
- About 12,500 people work in this job group now, and about 15,900 are projected by 2035. (+27.5%)
- Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a Data Scientist?
Ways in include: Computing & IT degrees; Mathematics & Statistics degrees; Advanced Diploma of Business; Advanced Diploma of Information Technology.
How much does a Data Scientist earn in Australia?
Median full-time pay is $107,744 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Is a Data Scientist a growing career in Australia?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 28% by 2035, from about 12,500 to about 15,900 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).
Do you need a degree to become a Data Scientist?
Usually. 88% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Will AI change the work of a Data Scientist?
Many tasks in this job could be automated by AI. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as high.
Sources
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
- Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Updated 2026-10-04