Data Scientist

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.

Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.

2006 NOC

• 2172.2: Database Administrators*

2006 NOC-S

• C072: Database Analysts and Data Administrators*

2011 NOC

• 2172: Database analysts and data administrators*

2016 NOC

• 2172: Database analysts and data administrators*

2021 NOC

• 21211: Data scientists

2023 OaSIS

• 21211.00: Data scientists

*This NOC group is considered similar to the Data Scientist occupation. Because this occupation is only similar to the NOC group, related details and labour market information may not be accurate.

Data science combines statistics, artificial intelligence (AI), database research, and software development. Data scientists identify past actions that predict relevant future outcomes.

Data science includes at least 4 stages:

• Initial exploration (for example, analyze data to understand the quality and structures). Generate a summary and description of the key variables and values based on initial exploration
• Data model building or value-based pattern identification
• Model testing (for example, applying the model to new data to generate predictions)
• Model deployment (using the model to make predictions and/or decision in the real world)

In general, data scientists clean the data, which involves removing data that may have errors or contradict other data in the pattern. They also:

• Select relevant subsets of data records to reduce the amount of information to explore
• Identify the most relevant data variables
• Determine the complexity and nature of data, information or business models required
• Use techniques such as bagging (averaging), stacking, bootstrapping and meta-learning
• Apply different models (for example, association mining, classification mining, cluster mining, neural networks, Bayesian networks or support vector machines) to the same data
• Compare model results to select a preferred model
• Apply the selected model to new data to find patterns and clusters or test and generate predictions or estimates of expected outcomes

Some data scientists may use prescriptive analytics (building different prediction models based on various potential decision actions) to guide decision makers to a desired outcome.

Data scientists work in offices with sophisticated information technology. They work standard weekday office hours but may also be required to work overtime to meet project deadlines.

Data scientists often work on several different projects at the same time. They generally work in a team environment but may work alone.

Data scientists work for a variety of employers including:

• Medical and educational research agencies
• Natural resource companies
• Environmental research companies
• Market research companies
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Large retail companies
• Post-secondary schools

Most data scientists find employment in major urban areas. However, remote work from home or a different worksite is becoming more common.

Outstanding individuals who have graduate degrees and many years of experience may move into management positions or become private consultants.

Industry Concentration

This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Database analysts and data administrators
2016 NOC: 2172*

78.5% of people in this occupational group work in:

• Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction
• Public Administration
• Information, Culture and Recreation
• Health Care and Social Assistance
• Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing
• Educational Services
• Wholesale Trade

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Data Scientist occupation.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

Look for Work

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3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Data scientists

2021 NOC: 21211

High

Demand

< 1500

Employed

Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.

To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.

5-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
• Location in Alberta
• Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
• Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
• Size of the occupation
• Trends and events that affect overall employment

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Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors. Learn how these factors can affect your career decisions.

Explore emerging workplace trends in Alberta that could affect this occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.

Database analysts and data administrators*

2016 NOC: 2172

2.4%

Annual Growth
(Average)

174

New Positions

*This data is for a NOC group that is similar to the Data Scientist occupation.

Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.

NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.