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Data Scientist: Occupations in Alberta - alis
Are you interested in statistics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning? Does analyzing data and solving problems appeal to you? Then you may want to dig into a career as a data scientist.
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Occupations in Alberta
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Emerging Occupations

Data Scientist

Data scientists explore large amounts of data to identify patterns and relationships between variables. They use these patterns to make predictions. For example, they might look at a group of people who share certain traits and predict what they will do in the future based on what they have done in the past.

This is an emerging occupation. It may have evolved from an existing occupation or emerged in response to consumer needs or technological advances.

Contents Expand All
Also Known As

Data Miner, Data Mining Analyst, Data Processing Specialist

NOC Codes

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.

Duties
Updated Mar 31, 2022

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.

Working Conditions
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 5 kg

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.

Work Personalities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

How This Occupation Compares to Your Work Personalities

Fit
Fit Guide
An occupation can be a great, good, fair, weak, or poor fit for you.
I
Investigative
This occupation
You
C
Conventional
E
Enterprising
This occupation
You

To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities

Data scientists
2023 OaSIS: 21211.00

Click or tap a personality type for its description.

  • 1
    Investigative

    Investigative jobs are about thinking deeply and solving problems. People in these jobs enjoy learning, asking questions, and doing research. They often study science, nature, or how things work. These jobs need a lot of thinking and often involve working with ideas instead of people. Examples include scientists, lab technicians, and researchers.

  • 2
    Conventional

    Conventional jobs involve following rules and working with information. People in these jobs like to keep things organized and follow clear steps. They often work with numbers, files, or data. These jobs usually happen in offices and involve working with data and details more than ideas. Examples include clerks, accountants, and data entry workers.

  • 3
    Enterprising

    Enterprising jobs are about leading, selling, or starting new projects. People in these jobs like to take charge, make decisions, and reach goals. They often work in business or politics. These jobs may involve some risk and require strong people skills. Examples include managers, salespeople, and entrepreneurs.

Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.

Your Work Personalities

To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Quick Guide

Alis work personalities are based on Holland’s theory. It identifies 6 personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional. People with similar personalities and interests will tend to pursue similar careers. They are likely to create work environments that are favourable to their type.

Most people will identify with 2 or 3 dominant personalities. If the occupation’s personalities match your more dominant types, this occupation is more likely to be satisfying and rewarding to you.

This Occupation’s Work Personalities lists the personalities most likely to be found in that occupation. They are listed in order of importance, with 1 as the most important.

Your Work Personalities shows where the occupation’s personalities rank within your test results. Rank 1 is your most dominant type and 6 is your least dominant.

Learn about work personalities

Abilities

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Data scientists
2023 OaSIS: 21211.00

How This Occupation Compares to Your Abilities

The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.

The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.

The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Abilities Sets

The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.

Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.

Critical Thinking

Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.

This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Inductive Reasoning
Verbal Ability
Information Ordering
Categorization Flexibility
Deductive Reasoning
Fluency of Ideas
Problem Identification
Written Comprehension
Written Expression

Numbers and Patterns

Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.

This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Memorizing
Perceptual Speed
Pattern Organization Speed
Numerical Ability
Mathematical Reasoning
Multitasking
Pattern Identification
Spatial Orientation
Spatial Visualization
Selective Attention

Physical Activity

Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Stamina
Static Strength
Trunk Strength
Explosive Strength
Body Flexibility
Dynamic Strength
Gross Body Coordination
Gross Body Equilibrium
Multi-Limb Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination

Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Finger-Hand-Wrist Motion
Rate Control
Arm-Hand Steadiness
Control of Settings
Finger Dexterity
Manual Dexterity
Multi-Signal Response
Reaction Time
Speed of Limb Movement

Senses

Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking. 

This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:

lower
a match
higher
Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities
Individual Abilities

Compare this occupation's score with yours for each ability in the set.

Hearing Sensitivity
Speech Clarity
Peripheral Vision
Auditory Attention
Depth Perception
Far Vision
Glare Tolerance
Near Vision
Night Vision
Speech Recognition
Sound Localization
Colour Perception

Quick Guide

The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the Occupational and Skills Information System (OaSIS).

The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.

Occupations use different combinations and levels of these abilities. The Abilities Quiz helps you learn more about your ability levels and which occupations match your strengths.

If you have completed the Abilities Quiz, you can compare the occupation’s ability expectations to your own ability scores. Your scores may be lower than, a match to, or higher than the occupation’s expected abilities.

Learn about abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Data scientists need:

  • An aptitude for and interest in statistics, artificial intelligence, and databases
  • An interest in applying scientific principles to solve practical problems
  • The ability to analyze information and understand abstract relationships
  • The ability to think logically, organize projects, and carry them out
  • The ability to work alone as well as with others
  • The ability to communicate with individuals from different technical and cultural backgrounds
  • Attention to detail

Data scientists should enjoy synthesizing data, applying statistical theories and methods, and working with others to understand and solve problems.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Database analysts and data administrators*

2016 NOC: 2172

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

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 101 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Aug 05, 2024 and Oct 07, 2025.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Tasks: Operate database management systems to analyze data
Tasks: Design and develop database
Tasks: Develop policies and procedures for network access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data
Tasks: Develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models
Attention to detail
Tasks: Research and document data requirements, data collection and administration policy, and data access rules
Tasks: Lead and co-ordinate teams of data administrators in the development and implementation of data policies, standards and models
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years
Organized
Experience: 2 years to less than 3 years
Tasks: Operate database management systems to analyze data 79
Tasks: Design and develop database 66
Tasks: Develop policies and procedures for network access and usage and for the backup and recovery of data 52
Tasks: Develop and implement data administration policy, standards and models 51
Attention to detail 50
Tasks: Research and document data requirements, data collection and administration policy, and data access rules 49
Tasks: Lead and co-ordinate teams of data administrators in the development and implementation of data policies, standards and models 43
Experience: 1 year to less than 2 years 42
Construction Specialization: Organized 38
Experience: 2 years to less than 3 years 35
Educational Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Minimum Education 4 years post-secondary

Most emerging occupations develop from more than one occupation. People working in this occupation may come from a variety of education and training backgrounds. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should contact associations and employers in this field to investigate education options and employment possibilities.

Data scientist is not an entry-level position. Employers generally prefer applicants who have several years of related experience.

The minimum academic requirement is a bachelor’s degree in data science, data analytics, computing science, statistics, computer engineering, or another highly quantitative field. A graduate degree (master’s or doctoral) usually is required for higher-level positions. A doctoral degree (PhD) is required to conduct independent research.

Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Athabasca University
Bow Valley College
Grant MacEwan University
Medicine Hat College
Mount Royal University
NorQuest College
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
Northwestern Polytechnic
Red Deer Polytechnic
Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
The King's University
University of Alberta
University of Calgary
University of Lethbridge

To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:

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

Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.

Certification Requirements
Updated Mar 31, 2022
  • Certification Not regulated

There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Mar 31, 2022

Emerging occupations typically are the result of:

  • An increased human need
  • Technological advances
  • Greater specialization within an occupation

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, it can be difficult to define advancement opportunities or employment outlook. Some Albertans already are working in this emerging occupation, but future demand for it is unknown.

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:

*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

Think Industries and Sectors When Planning Your Career

Jobs and occupations are changing every day. It can be hard to know what the future of work looks like—but not impossible. Look at industries and sectors for possible inspiration, insights, and opportunities.
3-Year Job Market Forecast

This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation 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
Warm
Job Market
4,100
Employed in AB

Source: 2024-2026 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
©
iStock.com/filadendron
OCCinfo

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.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Jun 05, 2025

Often there are too few people working in an emerging occupation to gather survey information. Therefore, no current provincial salary data is available for this occupation.

In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.

Data scientists

2021 NOC: 21211
Average Wage
$71.75
Per Hour
Average Salary
$95,826.00
Per Year
Average Hours
37.9
Per Week
Average Months on Payroll
9.8
Survey Methodology Survey Analysis

Source
 2023 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey

NOC 21211 Wage Profile

Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.

All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production), and other forms of compensation.

To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.

Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.

C: Lower Reliability
Data Reliability Code Definition

Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
  • Low
  • High
  • Average
  • Median
Starting
Overall
Top

Hourly Wage

For full-time and part-time employees
Wages* Low (5th percentile) High (95th percentile) Average Median
Starting $33.65 $69.23 $50.22 $44.47
Overall $33.65 $127.69 $71.75 $56.59
Top $41.35 $184.62 $90.62 $61.47

Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.

* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.

Pay brackets for hourly wages

  • Starting pay: average pay offered for entry-level positions
  • Overall pay: average pay across all employees in this occupation
  • Top pay: average pay offered to top-paid employees

Industry Information

ALL INDUSTRIES
ALL INDUSTRIES $95,826

Skills Shortage

Employers that Recruited in the Last 2 Years
73%
73%)
Recruiting Employers that Experienced Hiring Difficulties
8%
8%
Employers with Unfilled Vacancies of over 4 Months
0%
0%
Vacancy Rate
N/A
Related High School Subjects
  • English Language Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Science
    • Physics
Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Business, Management and Administrative Studies
  • Computer and Information Technology
  • Engineering, Architecture and Related Studies
  • Health Care and Medical Sciences
  • Mathematics
  • Sciences
  • Social Sciences, Law and Religious Studies

Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.

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