In-Demand Data Skills in 2025, and Salary Expectations

The data job market in 2025 continues to thrive, with employment projected to grow 36% from 2023 to 2033. As AI and machine learning become increasingly integrated across industries, employers are seeking professionals with specialized skills who can bridge the gap between model development and production deployment.

In-Demand Skills for 2025

Core Technical Skills

• Programming Languages: Python remains dominant, with SQL now surpassing R as the second most required language

• Machine Learning: Required in 77% of job postings, with deep learning and neural networks seeing doubled demand (now in ~20% of postings)

• Statistics and Mathematics: Probability, linear algebra, and calculus remain foundational requirements

• Data Visualization: Tools like Tableau, Power BI, and matplotlib for communicating insights effectively

Emerging High-Value Skills

• MLOps: One of the fastest-growing specializations with 9.8× growth in five years, according to LinkedIn's Emerging Jobs report5

• Cloud Platforms: Experience with AWS, Azure, or GCP for designing and implementing scalable solutions

• Containerization: Docker and Kubernetes for model deployment and scaling

• Deep Learning Frameworks: TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Keras for advanced AI applications

• Natural Language Processing (NLP): Demand jumped from 5% to 19% of job postings in one year

Business and Soft Skills

• Data Storytelling: Ability to communicate technical insights to non-technical stakeholders

• Domain Knowledge: 57% of postings seek "Versatile Professionals" with expertise across multiple domains

• Collaboration: Strong communication skills for working with cross-functional teams

Salary Landscape in 2025

By Role

• Data Scientist: $146,000 median annual salary

• Machine Learning Engineer: $188,000 median annual salary

• MLOps Engineer: $170,635 median annual salary

• Machine Learning Lead: $146,479 median annual salary

• Director of Machine Learning: $296,000 median annual salary

By Experience Level

• Junior Machine Learning Engineer: $107,972 average base salary

• Mid-level Machine Learning Engineer: $122,619 average base salary

• Senior Machine Learning Engineer: $130,802 average base salary

• Principal Machine Learning Engineer: $153,820 base salary, rising to $218,603 with benefits

Salary Distribution for Data Scientists

The majority of data science jobs in 2025 offer salaries in these ranges:

• 32% of positions: $160,000 - $200,000

• 27% of positions: $120,000 - $160,000

Top Hiring Companies and Their Compensation

Tech Giants

• Amazon: $188,000 for Data Scientists; $155,000 base for ML Engineers (up to $235,000 with bonuses)

• Apple: $180,000 for Data Scientists; $193,000 base for ML Engineers (up to $300,000 with benefits)

• Google: $149,000 for Data Scientists; $177,000 base for ML Engineers (up to $281,000 with benefits)

• Meta (Facebook): $181,000 for Data Scientists; $122,619 base for ML Engineers (up to $151,989 with benefits)

• Microsoft: $149,000 for Data Scientists

• Netflix: $186,000 base for ML Engineers (plus ~$58,679 in benefits)

Other Notable Employers

• Walmart: $150,000 for Data Scientists

• Capital One: $129,000 for Data Scientists

• IBM: $133,000 for Data Scientists

• Airbnb: $177,000 for Data Scientists

• McKinsey: $115,000 for Data Scientists

Hiring Hotspots

The major tech hubs remain prime markets for data science and ML roles:

• San Francisco Bay Area: Home to leading tech and AI startups

• Seattle: Dominated by Amazon/AWS and Microsoft

• New York City: Big finance and advertising tech

• Emerging hubs: Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, and Washington D.C.

Remote Work Trends

Only 5% of data science jobs are fully remote in 2025, indicating a shift back toward in-office or hybrid arrangements compared to previous years.

By understanding these trends and focusing on developing the most in-demand skills, you can position yourself effectively in the thriving data science job market of 2025.