Would you re-order these?
Machine Learning Engineer $$$$$
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Develop and deploy AI models
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Optimize machine learning algorithms for efficiency
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Work with big data frameworks to process large datasets
Data Scientist $$$$$
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Build predictive models and machine learning algorithms
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Analyze large datasets to identify trends and insights
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Communicate findings to stakeholders and guide business decisions
Data Engineer $$$$
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Design, build, and maintain data pipelines
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Optimize databases and data warehouses for performance
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Ensure data integrity, security, and accessibility
Data Architect $$$$
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Design enterprise data infrastructure
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Ensure scalability and security of data systems
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Define best practices for data management
Database Developer $$$$
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Design, develop, and optimize database structures (tables, indexes, constraints)
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Write and tune SQL queries, stored procedures, and functions
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Integrate databases with applications and ETL processes
Database Administrator (DBA) $$$
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Manage, maintain, and secure databases
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Optimize performance and ensure high availability
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Handle backups, disaster recovery, and troubleshooting
Business Intelligence (BI) Developer $$$
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Design and maintain BI tools and dashboards
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Integrate data from multiple sources for reporting
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Optimize data queries for performance
Data Analyst $$$
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Interpret and visualize data for reporting
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Query and clean datasets for analysis
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Provide business insights based on data trends
Data Governance Specialist $$$
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Ensure data compliance with regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
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Define and enforce data policies and standards
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Monitor and improve data quality
ETL Developer $$$
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Build and manage Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) pipelines
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Optimize data movement between systems
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Ensure data quality in integration processes
Check out Brent Ozar’s 2025 Salary Survey Results here
The Bottom Line:
The world revolves around data, from your banking info to crypto to your Fortnite stats and Spotify playlists. There will always be jobs available to wrangle that data.