Data Science vs. Data Analytics: Key Differences, Careers & Salaries, and Education

When it comes to careers in data, both data science and data analytics have reserved spots on the table. Arguably, the most important seats. With data becoming more and more prominent, data-centered careers are gaining importance, becoming more popular, and certainly not going out of style anytime soon. 

Are you eager to discover all that a career in data science and data analytics has to offer? This blog takes you through just that! As we explore both of these careers, we’ll also compare them and see which one wins in the data science vs. data analytics battle and declares itself as an ideal fit for you. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of data science and data analytics.

Data Scientists: Data scientists are proficient at analyzing data and extracting meaningful insights from it. They also focus on creating algorithms (computer instructions) and models to classify, categorize, and make predictions about data.

Data Analytics: Data analytics focuses on examining data to identify patterns, trends, and insights that can help a business make better decisions. Data analytics works best when aimed at specific questions or challenges that an organization is facing.

Data science is the study of data to draw meaningful insights for business decisions. Data scientists are skilled in various areas, including programming, mathematics, statistics, machine learning, data exploration, and data modeling. Data scientists analyze data and seek to answer questions like, What happened? Why did it happen? What does the future look like? And how the business can use these insights. 

Data scientists also concentrate on crafting algorithms (computer instructions) and models for machine learning to classify, categorize, and make predictions about data. Scientists further ensure accuracy through rigorous testing, including updates with newly collected data. These tools are then employed by data analysts to gather, organize, and analyze information.

Data scientists are in charge of a wide range of tasks that involve collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to inform business decisions. Here’s an overview of the key responsibilities:

1. Data Collection and Cleaning:

• Gather and collect data from various sources, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Clean and preprocess data to handle missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies.

2. Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA):

• Conduct exploratory data analysis to understand the structure and patterns within the dataset.
• Identify trends, correlations, and outliers that may impact analysis.

3. Statistical Analysis:

• Apply statistical methods to analyze the data and derive meaningful insights.
• Use descriptive statistics to summarize data and inferential statistics for making predictions.

4. Machine Learning Modeling:

• Develop and implement machine learning models to predict future trends, customer behavior, or business outcomes.
• Fine-tune models for optimal performance and interpret results.

5. Programming:

• Utilize programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL to manipulate and analyze data efficiently.
• Automate repetitive tasks and develop scripts for data processing.

6. Data Visualization and Communication:

• Create visualizations (charts, graphs, dashboards) to present complex data in a clear and understandable manner.
• You’ll also need to communicate your findings to other stakeholders who may not be proficient in data. Simple language is key here and your ability to effectively communicate the on-goings of your project is essential. 

7. Big Data Technologies:

• Use big data technologies like Hadoop and Spark for handling and processing large volumes of data.

8. Domain Expertise:

• Apply domain-specific knowledge to understand the context of the data and extract relevant insights.

9. Collaboration:

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including business analysts, engineers, and domain experts.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure alignment on project goals.

10. Problem-Solving:

• Data science can be complex so you’ll have to think about a way to solve the many data-related problems that arise.

As the stereotype goes, data scientists spend 80% of their time cleaning data, and the other 20% complaining about data cleaning. While this is definitely an exaggerated statement, it does hold somewhat true, as you will spend a lot of your time cleaning up data. It is an essential first step, somewhat like setting a good foundation before you build something on it. 

The responsibilities mentioned above can vary based on your task, organization, and other factors. This is just a general glimpse into some of the common tasks associated with data scientists. 

Data analytics is about analyzing data; this could include identifying patterns or trends in the data and generating meaningful insight that could help a business make informed decisions. While data science seeks answers to a host of questions and also targets a large chunk of data, data analytics, on the other hand, works best when aimed at specific questions or challenges that an organization is facing. Data analysts need to be skilled in multiple areas, including mathematics, statistics, data analysis tools, and programming. Data analytics plays an important role in shaping business processes and influencing decision-making.

The roles and responsibilities of a data analyst involve working with data to extract insights that support decision-making within an organization. Here is an overview of key responsibilities:

1. Data Collection and Processing:

• First things first, you would need to collect, clean, and preprocess data to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Handling missing values, outliers, and addressing data quality issues comes next.

2. Data Analysis:

• After collecting, you can begin analyzing large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and correlations.
• Post that, you perform statistical analysis to derive meaningful insights from the data.

3. Data Visualization:

• Effectively communicate your findings with clear and effective visualizations using charts, graphs, and dashboards.

4. Database Management:

• Retrieve and manipulate data using SQL queries in various databases.
• Maintain and ensure the integrity of databases.

5. Programming Skills:

• Use programming languages such as Python or R for data manipulation and analysis.
• Write scripts to automate repetitive tasks and enhance efficiency.

6. Business Acumen:

• It’s important to have exceptional business knowledge so that you can understand the business context and objectives and align data analysis with the organizational goals.
• Translate data insights into actionable recommendations for decision-makers.

7. Report Generation:

• Generate and present reports that convey key findings and insights.
• Prepare documentation to support data analysis processes and methodologies.

8. Critical Thinking:

• Apply critical thinking skills to approach problems and make data-driven decisions.
• Ask relevant questions and frame analytical problems to address business challenges.

Data analysts play a crucial role in transforming raw data into meaningful insights, enabling organizations to make informed decisions and gain a competitive edge in their respective industries.

Here is a table followed by a detailed explanation of the key differences between the two fields:

Aspect	Data Science	Data Analytics
Scope of Work	Data science has a broad scope of work that involves predictive modeling, machine learning, and handling unstructured data.	Data analytics concentrates on analyzing data to inform business decisions.
Required Skills	Proficiency in advanced programming, statistical modeling, and complex algorithms.	Strong analytical skills, proficiency in data visualization, and understanding of specific business domains.
Average Salary	Data scientists earn $129,680 per year on average.	Data analysts receive an average annual salary of $76,973.
Industries	Commonly found in healthcare, finance, technology, and e-commerce sectors.	Often employed in marketing, finance, operations, and sales.
Educational Requirements	The curriculum can be challenging, it involves mathematics, statistics, computer science, advanced programming, and machine learning knowledge.	Emphasizes practical applications of data analysis, statistics, programming, and data visualization.
Focus of Curriculum	Centers on mathematics, statistics, computer science, advanced programming, and machine learning.	Prioritizes practical applications of data analysis, statistics, programming, and data visualization.

Data science and data analytics are two distinct fields; the difference mainly lies in their scope of work. Data science is a broad field and involves more advanced tasks like creating predictive models, machine learning, and handling unstructured data. The kind of work data scientists perform requires an extensive skillset; they have to be proficient in advanced programming, statistical modeling, and complex algorithms.

Since the nature of their work is so specialized, data scientists receive a competitive salary of $129,680 per year on average. Depending on your profession and industry, you may benefit from learning either one of the two. Data scientists often work in various industries, such as healthcare, finance, technology, and e-commerce.

On the other hand, data analytics concentrates on analyzing data to draw insights for business decisions. Data analysts have to ask the right questions to solve specific business problems. E.g., why did sales go down in a specific quarter? Data analysts play an important role in making sense of all the data flow. Their skillset includes strong analytical skills, proficiency in data visualization, and a good understanding of the specific business domain.

Even though data analysts may not get paid as highly as data scientists, they still receive competitive compensation for the important work they perform. Data analysts receive an average annual salary of $76973. Data analysts often work in sectors like marketing, finance, operations, and sales, where professionals analyze structured data to optimize processes and gain insights into customer behavior.

When it comes to educational requirements, the curriculum of data scientists tends to be more challenging compared to that of data analysts. Data scientists need to study a lot of mathematics, statistics, and computer science, as well as advanced skills in programming and machine learning. Their degree program includes in-depth studies in areas of algorithm development, data modeling, and complex statistical methods, preparing them well for their job ahead.

Data analysts, on the other hand, have their curricula more aligned with practical applications of data analysis. They build strong skills in statistics and programming with an emphasis on descriptive statistics, data visualization, and utilizing tools for data analysis.

All in all, choosing one of the two depends on what you’re good at and what career you aspire to build. Data science has a broader focus and a more complex skillset, while data analytics has a more specialized focus and skillset. Both of these fields are important and valuable to an organization. 

Now you have a fair idea about the nature of both of these jobs. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on what you want from your career and what you enjoy studying. If you’re already a working professional, says a market research analyst, and you wish to learn the skill to effectively analyze data, then data analytics is for you. The ideal choice between the two is the one that best aligns with your own goals and aspirations. 

If you’re a student still contemplating your career, then here are a few questions to ask yourself:

1. What aspects of data excite you the most?

If your answer is developing algorithms, models, and systems, then you might be a data science person. A simple example of a task that a data scientist might perform is developing a predictive model for an e-commerce platform to forecast customer purchasing behavior. The data scientist would analyze historical data, considering factors like customer demographics, past purchase history, time of day, and website interactions. Using this information, they would create a predictive algorithm that can anticipate what products a customer is likely to purchase in the future.

If you like the practical applications of data, then you may be into data analytics. Here, you would be able to apply your findings to solve problems or support decisions that a business makes. An example of a simple task that a data analyst would perform is customer segmentation in a marketing campaign to boost the effectiveness of the campaign. This is done by analyzing data such as purchase history and demographics. Then, by using statistical techniques, they categorize customers into segments (high-value customers, new customers), enabling targeted and personalized marketing strategies. 

2. What do you enjoy studying?

We’ve already discussed that the curriculum studied by a data scientist is broad and can be rigorous. They cover a range of subjects that can be complex and require dedication to get across. If the intellectual challenge sounds appealing and you’re all set to tackle the challenge, then, by all means, go for it. With the right effort and dedication, it is certainly doable.

Data analysts also study a wide range of subjects, with their focus on the analytical side of things. Even though the curriculum may not be as extensive compared to data scientists, it is still rigorous and requires a thorough understanding of complex concepts. If you find yourself drawn to analyzing data and sharing the insights with other stakeholders to support decision making then you may enjoy data analytics. 

3. How soon do you want to join the workforce? 

If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t really care about the time that you spend studying, as long as it is not too long, then either option, depending on your preference, should sound good.

If you want to get into the work world as soon as possible, then data analytics may score a point there. Data analytics jobs require you to hold a bachelor’s degree at a minimum to kickstart your career. You can even consider additional certification to boost your credibility. But mostly, you can expect to be job-ready in four years. 

On the other hand, data scientists may take 4 years to complete their bachelor’s degree program. While not mandatory, given the demand, it is advisable to get a master’s, which can take as long as two to five years to complete. If you only get a bachelor’s, then you may find your job options somewhat limited. 

If you’re fascinated by all that data scientists get to do and you feel inclined to join this profession, then stay tuned to explore what exactly you’ll need to do to get your degree in data science and kickstart your career as a data scientist.

Here’s how you can become a data scientist:

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree in data science

Earning your bachelor’s degree can take about 4 years. Data scientists often hold a bachelor’s degree in relevant fields like mathematics, statistics, business, and engineering. Essentially, any degree that gives you strong enough foundational skills in mathematics and statistics. You also have the option of pursuing a bachelor’s degree in data science. Here, along with mathematics and statistics, you will also learn the process of analyzing data. The former set of degrees might open up a variety of career options for you and the latter will set you on a focused path right from the start.

2. Earning your master’s in data science

Your master’s in data science can take anywhere from two to five years, depending on the number of courses you take. While it is not mandatory to get a master’s, it is definitely worth it, as it can give you a competitive edge in the market. Learning advanced skills can make you worth a lot more in terms of salary and can get you a leadership position as well.

3. Get certifications 

There are a lot of valuable certifications being offered by reputed companies. You can choose to polish your skills or learn new ones through the medium of these courses. The certifications you will receive can add value to your resume. Even though this is completely optional, it can help you level up your skills and it might just pay off in the end, metaphorically or quite literally. 

4. Send out your resume

But don’t send out an average resume. Make sure to customize your resume for each company that you apply to. Highlight your relevant skills and experience in line with the requirements of the role. Also, if you want to stand out, then show your potential employers a few virtual examples of your work. Even though this might take a little more of your time, it does position you as a serious candidate and it might just do the trick and get you the job.

So, there you have it—your path to getting your dream job as a data scientist. What really matters in your data science job is actually being proficient in the skills that you will need to employ to get your job done. So pay attention in class and take time to actually practice your data skills to make yourself ready to tackle complex real-world data problems.

Related: Here’s How You Can Become A Data Scientist.

Are you excited to work on analyzing data to solve business problems? It is a practical and interesting field. With tons of data being generated every day, all organizations require people to make sense of the data flow that’s happening. 

Explore just how you can become a data analyst:

1. Earn your bachelor’s degree

Start by obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, this will take you about four years. Common bachelor’s degrees include statistics, mathematics, computer science, information technology, economics, or a related field. You’re looking to build a combination of statistical and analytical skills here. You also have the option of starting your degree with a focused approach by pursuing your bachelor of science in data analytics. 

2. Pursue your master’s in data analytics

While it is not mandatory to do your master’s, you will certainly find it beneficial. Your advanced knowledge and skills will help you land a job much faster. You can also expect to land a pay hike and a leadership role. Your commitment to continuous learning also puts you forward as a serious candidate. 

3. Develop your skills 

You ultimately need to be good at your job and that can be possible only if you put in the time and practice. So, brush up on your skills and take the time to learn all the data tools and analytics software inside out. As long as you’re good at what you do, you’re good to go.

4. Get certifications 

Continued learning keeps you up to date with all the new things happening. For data, that’s more important than ever with all the new technologies coming into the picture. So look out for some valuable certificate programs being offered by respected companies. As you continue to learn, you will get better at what you do. 

You’re on your way to becoming a data scientist. Your educational background, coupled with the key skills and practical experience you’ve learned, will position you to tackle real-world data challenges.

Related: How to Become a Data Analyst

In today’s data-driven world, both data scientists and data analysts are very much in demand. Both data scientists and data analysts contribute to the effective utilization of data. Their work enables organizations to stay competitive, optimize processes, and make informed strategic choices. As you consider your preferred career path, take time to reflect on your strengths, preferences, and professional goals. Both of these fields offer promising and fulfilling journeys; all you need to take with you is your passion for data.