Data Scientist

A data scientist develops and implements machine learning models and statistical analyses to extract insights from large datasets and inform business decisions in Australian organisations. They combine programming, mathematics, and domain knowledge to design experiments, build predictive models, and communicate findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders. The role typically operates within technology, finance, healthcare, or government sectors where data-driven decision-making is critical.

Extract, clean, and transform raw data from multiple sources including databases, APIs, and data warehouses using Python, R, or SQL to prepare datasets for analysis. Explore data distributions and relationships using exploratory data analysis techniques and visualisation libraries such as matplotlib, ggplot2, or Tableau to identify patterns and anomalies. Design and conduct statistical hypothesis tests and A/B experiments to validate assumptions and measure the impact of proposed changes or features. Build and train supervised and unsupervised machine learning models using scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or similar frameworks to predict outcomes or segment populations. Evaluate model performance using appropriate metrics such as precision, recall, F1-score, or RMSE, and conduct cross-validation to assess generalisation to unseen data. Deploy machine learning models to production environments and establish monitoring pipelines to track model drift and performance degradation in live systems. Collaborate with software engineers to integrate models into applications and APIs, ensuring models meet latency, scalability, and reliability requirements. Document methodologies, assumptions, and limitations in technical reports and present findings to business stakeholders with varying levels of statistical literacy.

The standard entry pathway requires a bachelor degree or higher (ABS Skill Level 1). Specific qualification requirements vary by employer and state. Some employers may accept equivalent experience. Check yourcareer.gov.au for available courses and dewr.gov.au/skills-reform/free-tafe for subsidised training options.

You'll hit a hard ceiling without a maths or computer science degree. Career changers without formal quantitative training spend 1 to 2 years playing catch-up on linear algebra, probability, and programming before landing decent roles. Even then, you'll compete against graduates who did this in their sleep. The pay also plateaus quickly unless you move into management or find a niche.

Government agencies (ABS, Centrelink) hire regularly but pay less. Regional Australia has almost none. Most roles are office-based, though some tech companies offer remote work. Check LinkedIn job boards and company careers pages for real openings.

Published for ANZSCO unit group 2241, the wider group this job sits in, not for this job on its own.

This is the median for full-time employees who are not managers and are paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. It is a guide to what the work pays, not a wage rate.

Source: ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.

• Attention to Detailcore
• Data Entry and Accuracycore
• Data Entry and Verificationcore
• Digital Literacycore
• Microsoft Excel Data Managementcore
• Power BI Reporting and Dashboardscore
• Problem Solvingcore
• Process Improvement Identificationcore
• Quality Assurance and Checkingcore
• Report Writingcore
• Reporting and Analyticscore
• Research and Analysiscore
• Stakeholder Communicationcore
• Written Communicationcore
• Active Listening
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Continuous Learning and Upskilling
• Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Drive)
• Process Documentation
• Risk Identification
• Team Collaboration
• Time Management and Prioritisation
• Verbal Communication

• ABS OSCA 2024, occupation definition and task statements
• ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, customised report.
• ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing based on usual place of residence (Custom Report). OSCA Experimental Estimates.

Role data is drawn from official Australian Government sources, and each figure names where it comes from. Where a role is not in the ABS classification, the page shows no government figures for it. Data may not reflect every local variation.

Where our numbers come from.

Last updated: 30 October 2026