This Position Is Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry‑level (0‑2 years) salaries average $80k‑$120k. Mid‑level (3‑5 years) range $120k‑$170k. Senior (6‑10 years) range $170k‑$240k. Lead/Principal positions can exceed $240k up to $350k, depending on industry and location.

Core skills: Python, SQL, machine‑learning libraries (scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch), big‑data tools (Spark, Hadoop), and data‑visualization platforms (Tableau, Power BI). Certifications that boost credibility include Google Cloud Professional Data Engineer, AWS Certified Machine Learning – Specialty, and TensorFlow Developer Certificate.

Yes. Over 70% of open listings allow fully remote or hybrid arrangements. Companies prioritize cloud‑native workflows, which enable distributed teams to collaborate on data pipelines and model deployments.

Typical progression: Data Analyst → Data Scientist → Senior Data Scientist → Lead Data Scientist/Principal Engineer → Head of Data / Chief Data Officer. Opportunities also include switching into product or strategy roles that leverage analytical expertise.

Key trends include the rise of MLOps for continuous model delivery, explainable AI to meet regulatory demands, expansion of edge AI for real‑time analytics, increased focus on data privacy and synthetic data generation, and the democratization of AI tools that broaden the skill set required for this field.