The Rise of Data Careers
- Melanie John
- Sep 30, 2025
- 3 min read
When most teenagers hear statistics, they might think of maths exams or confusing formulas. But the power of real statistics lies in its ability to tell stories, make predictions, and drive decisions. That’s why careers in data are rapidly increasing in numbers and why students should consider them as options.
A Future That Runs on Data
We live in a world driven by data. Every online search, transaction, social post, click on a link or medical test generates information. Businesses, governments, and institutions are constantly analysing and interpreting these numbers in order to enhance decision making and as they create more data, they need more people who understand data to do this.
In 2023, the World Economic Forum found that 'AI and Machine Learning Specialists' and 'Data Analysts and Scientists' roles were in the top 10 jobs expected to grow fastest between 2023 and 2027 [1].
Globally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates 34% job growth for data scientists from 2024 to 2034 [2].
What Types of Data Science Jobs Are Out There?
Almost every sector relies on data in some way, meaning there’s now a whole range of roles within the industry. Here are some of the most popular:
Data Scientist – Works with large and often complex datasets to uncover patterns, test hypotheses, and provide insights that help organisations make smarter decisions.
Machine Learning Engineer – Blends software engineering with data science, building models and algorithms that allow systems to learn from data and improve over time.
Data Engineer – Focuses on building and maintaining the pipelines that collect, clean, and move data into usable formats for analysts and scientists.
Data Architect – Designs the overall structure for managing an organisation’s data, ensuring systems are efficient, and able to handle the growing scale of information.
Salary Insights
Data careers tend to come with very competitive salaries, even at entry level:
In the UK, entry level data scientists often start around £25,000–£30,000, rising to £40,000+ with a few years’ experience [3].
More experienced data scientists commonly earn £40,000–£60,000, while lead or senior roles can exceed £60,000, and in some cases approach £100,000+ [3].
In London especially, salaries tend to be higher because the city accounts for 55% of UK data science jobs [4].
Why Teens and Students Should Care
You get a head start. The sooner you become familiar with statistical thinking, data tools, and logic, the more comfortable you’ll be in university, internships or apprenticeships.
Statistical literacy is a life skill. You’ll be better equipped to critically read graphs and charts, understand claims in the media, and make informed decisions.
It’s future-proof. As AI and automation take over the workplace, roles that require interpreting and understanding data are more resilient. Some studies even suggest that AI boosts the demand for human skills like critical thinking and ethics [5].
Applicable to a variety of fields. Whether you love healthcare, sports, environment, politics, or business, the ability to analyse data opens doors in all of these fields
Final Thoughts
So next time you’re looking at a chart or revising a probability question, remember that it’s not just about passing an exam. You’re building skills that are useful in the real world, where data influences everything from medicine to social media. If you’re in Year 8, 9, or 10 and want to get ahead next year, my GCSE Statistics course is a great way to strengthen those skills and prepare for the exciting data careers of the future.
Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology (2023). Jobs and Skills: The Future of Work. POSTnote 697. UK Parliament. https://post.parliament.uk/research-briefings/post-pn-0697/
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024). Data Scientists. Occupational Outlook Handbook. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/data-scientists.htm
Prospects (2024). Data Scientist Job Profile. https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/data-scientist
365 Data Science (2024). Data Science Salaries Around the World. https://365datascience.com/career-advice/data-science-salaries-around-the-world/
Arrieta-Ibarra, I. et al. (2024). AI’s Impact on Labour Markets: Evidence from Emerging Trends. arXiv preprint. https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.19754
