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Job outlook for data management specialists in the United States
Data management specialist job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected data management specialist job growth rate is 31% from 2018-2028.
About 11,200 new jobs for data management specialists are projected over the next decade.
Data management specialist salaries have increased 15% for data management specialists in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,254 data management specialists currently employed in the United States.
There are 164,343 active data management specialist job openings in the US.
The average data management specialist salary is $78,699.
Are data management specialist jobs in demand?
Data management specialist job and salary trends over time
Data management specialist jobs over time
Data management specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,254 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,270 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,301 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,414 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 4,955 | 0.00% |
Average data management specialist salary over time
Data management specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $78,699 | $37.84 | +1.2% |
| 2024 | $77,752 | $37.38 | +3.9% |
| 2023 | $74,869 | $35.99 | +4.4% |
| 2022 | $71,696 | $34.47 | +4.4% |
| 2021 | $68,660 | $33.01 | +0.5% |
Data management specialist jobs by state
Most common states for data management specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 450 | 65% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 246 | 42% |
| 3 | Vermont | 623,657 | 227 | 36% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,308 | 34% |
| 5 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,018 | 33% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 336 | 32% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 240 | 32% |
| 8 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 231 | 31% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 360 | 27% |
| 10 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,566 | 26% |
| 11 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,463 | 26% |
| 12 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 920 | 26% |
| 13 | Delaware | 961,939 | 252 | 26% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 473 | 25% |
| 15 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 217 | 25% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,582 | 23% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,279 | 23% |
| 18 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 726 | 23% |
| 19 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 246 | 23% |
| 20 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,882 | 22% |
Most common cities for data management specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Greenville | 6 | 9% | $67,028 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 3 | 8% | $106,639 |
| 3 | Ridgecrest | 2 | 7% | $86,184 |
| 4 | Springdale | 2 | 3% | $38,691 |
| 5 | Grand Rapids | 3 | 2% | $63,251 |
| 6 | Ann Arbor | 2 | 2% | $65,107 |
| 7 | Dearborn | 2 | 2% | $65,786 |
| 8 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $75,589 |
| 9 | Boston | 4 | 1% | $96,431 |
| 10 | Irvine | 2 | 1% | $83,109 |
| 11 | Dallas | 4 | 0% | $75,510 |
| 12 | Los Angeles | 3 | 0% | $84,188 |
| 13 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $55,631 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $72,647 |
| 15 | Oakland | 2 | 0% | $94,445 |
Data Management Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of data management specialist experts
Mississippi College
University of Maryland - College Park
Kettering University
City College of New York of the City University of New York, The
Montclair State University
Minnesota State University - Mankato
University of Missouri - St Louis
Pennsylvania State University
University of Rhode Island
University of California, Irvine
Morgan State University
Nazareth College of Rochester
Lafayette College
University of Oregon
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yipeng Yang: Get to know clearly the job duties quickly. Make good connections with colleagues and listen to their advices.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Yipeng Yang: Enhance problem-solving ability. Keep learning and improving new skills in your field.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Joseph Spivey: I’d start by becoming as knowledgeable as possible about the salaries of people in jobs you are interested in. Compare salaries for open positions; you may be able to use your knowledge as leverage to ask for more money. When you interview, ask not just about starting salary but about how raises and promotions are handled. I wish that I had learned some basic negotiation principles when I started my career. I’d recommend the book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Spivey: I think technology, especially artificial intelligence, provide increasingly important tools. Mathematics graduates will need to understand how to use technology in all kinds of new ways to improve their output and efficiency. Math graduates will need to be able to identify the best technological tools for a given task and critically interpret the output. As with most technological tools, people will be best served by using technology to augment, rather than replace, their efforts.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Joseph Spivey: My first piece of advice is to recognize that you have achieved something hard and worthwhile by completing a mathematics major. There are not many people on this planet who have the knowledge and skills that you have developed! By completing a math major, you have proven that you have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and these abilities and confidence in your abilities will pay off. I also think it’s worthwhile to identify a mentor early on who can help guide you to be successful.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Dr. Michael Zhang: In the coming years, turning data into insights and driving business innovation and success is the new compass.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Michael Zhang: All your study at University is a solid foundation of the bridge between theory and practice. Don’t be afraid of failure, be open-minded, keep learning and adapting to new challenges.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. David Powell Ph.D.: MPA (Master's of Public Administration) graduates typically work in local, state, and national government. Some of the positions they typically hold are management analyst, program analyst, policy analyst, budget analyst, finance manager, and human resources manager/specialist among others. We also have graduates who work in local nonprofit organizations in a variety of policy areas such as housing, senior services, etc.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Taylor Poe Ph.D.: Data analysis is certainly a growing field, and we cannot deny the benefits of having some programming skills. The ability to communicate and work with others will open doors to bigger projects.
Tim Scales
Director of Center for Entrepreneurship – Director Center for Economic Education and Senior Lecturer in Business and EconomicsWhat will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Tim Scales: In the next 3-5 years, I believe skills such as data analysis, digital marketing, and adaptability to changing market conditions will become increasingly important and prevalent in the field.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Sean Cao: Data analytics skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and communication skills will become more important and prevalent in the next few years. Acquiring these skills positions students to gain a competitive edge in the era of AI.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sean Cao: Acquiring in-demand skills and expanding institutional knowledge through industry experience can maximize salary potential at the beginning of your career. First, enhancing these skills through certifications, internships, and active involvement in pertinent projects can significantly boost your attractiveness to employers. Moreover, obtaining industry experience via internships provides invaluable practical knowledge and insights. Furthermore, networking within your industry can provide access to mentorship, recommendations, and insider information crucial for maximizing earning potential. Last, delving deeply into understanding your industry and specializing in niche areas can elevate your salary prospects.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Sean Cao: First, enhancing proficiency in data analytics is important for accounting students aiming to excel in today's data-rich financial environment. It is imperative that students can effectively use advanced data analytics tools to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, such as 10-K, 8-K, and ESG disclosures. By leveraging analytical tools to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies within financial data, students can transform complex information into actionable insights. This ability not only facilitates informed decision-making but also distinguishes individuals as indispensable assets within any organization. Second, cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to think critically and solve problems creatively is particularly important in the age of AI. As AI technologies increasingly automate routine tasks, the unique human ability to think critically, evaluate complex situations, and generate innovative solutions becomes more valuable than ever. In addition, strengthening effective communication skills. In an era where technology frequently facilitates interactions, the capacity to articulate ideas clearly and convincingly, both verbally and in writing, is important. Enhancing communication skills contributes to better collaboration with colleagues and management, ensuring that your ideas and contributions are duly recognized and appreciated.
Dr. Osama Aljarrah
Assistant ProfessorKettering University
Manufacturing Engineering
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Osama Aljarrah: Enhancing your qualifications through additional education can significantly boost your earning potential. This could mean obtaining an advanced degree or relevant certifications, especially in AI, supply chain, and manufacturing.
Prof. Marta Bengoa Calvo
Full Professor of EconomicsCity College of New York of the City University of New York, The
Economics
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Prof. Marta Bengoa Calvo: Only by constantly learning and adapting. We live in a world which labor dynamics are in constant evolution, so we need to be ready to keep learning and adapt.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Prof. Marta Bengoa Calvo: For soft skills: Critical thinking is always and will be always needed, attention to detail, know how to be a team player and empathetic. For hard skills: be able to manage projects in a timely manner, and always helps to have data management and analytic skills, quantitative skills.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Louis Rocconi Ph.D.: Create a portfolio of projects that showcase your skills and abilities. This portfolio will not only assist you during the interview process but also provide you the ability to reflect on your past projects, facilitating continuous learning and growth. Finally, know your worth and be prepared to negotiate. Do some research to understand what a competitive salary range would be for your position. Ask your professors, recent graduates from your program, and other industry professionals. Finally, research negotiating skills to ensure you are ready when the offer comes.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Louis Rocconi Ph.D.: The start of your career is not the end of your education journey. The evaluation, statistics, and methodology field is continually growing, so make professional development an essential part of your routine to keep you up-to-date on the latest research and trends. Be sure to connect with other professionals in the field. This network can serve as a valuable resource for brainstorming ideas and seeking advice throughout your career.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Dr. Sunhyung Lee: Develop strong communication and analytical skills, as the ability to convey complex economic concepts clearly and interpret data accurately is crucial in the field. Even starting with the small things, you will be surprised to see how many students cannot write proper emails.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Kyle Nash Ph.D.: Starting your career can be both exciting and challenging. My general advice to graduates is to embrace continuous learning and stay adaptable. The business landscape is constantly evolving, so it's crucial to keep updating your skills and knowledge. Additionally, networking is essential. Build and maintain professional relationships, as these connections can lead to mentorship opportunities and job openings. Lastly, don't be afraid to take on new challenges and responsibilities early in your career; this will demonstrate your initiative and commitment to growth.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kyle Nash Ph.D.: In the next few years, I anticipate a growing emphasis on digital literacy and data analytics. As businesses increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making, the ability to interpret and analyze data will be highly valued. Furthermore, skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning will become more crucial as these technologies continue to advance. Soft skills, such as effective communication, adaptability, and emotional intelligence, will also remain vital as they enhance teamwork and leadership capabilities in an increasingly interconnected and dynamic work environment.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Kyle Nash Ph.D.: To maximize your salary potential, start by thoroughly researching the industry standards for your role and region to set realistic expectations. Highlight your unique skills and experiences during negotiations and be prepared to demonstrate your value to potential employers. Additionally, seeking certifications or advanced training in high-demand areas can give you a competitive edge. Networking and building professional relationships can also lead to higher-paying opportunities. Lastly, consider positions that offer growth potential, even if the starting salary is not the highest, as these roles often provide more substantial salary increases over time.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Ambrose Kidd III: Critical thinking skills will always be a priority, and the advancement of AI tools will only make that more so. Beyond that, I think the most in demand skills are ability to interdisciplinary work, particularly bioinformatics.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ambrose Kidd III: Having a broad skill set and being prepared to learn on the job. The highest salaries will be for those that get their foot in the door and then demonstrate critical thinking and leadership skills.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Ambrose Kidd III: Be patient and explore widely. It sometimes takes a while to find the first job, but that will be a new opportunity to learn and demonstrate your ability.
Dr. Jennifer Eury Ph.D.
Undergraduate Management Major Program Coordinator and Clinical Associate Professor of Management and OrganizationPennsylvania State University
Management Sciences And Quantitative Methods
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Dr. Jennifer Eury Ph.D.: For graduates, especially recent graduates, seeking to maximize their salary potential, especially when they are starting a full-time position, I encourage them to continue to keep learning. Stay current with industry trends. Take advantage of training opportunities available to you in your workplace. Talk with others, especially those who have worked in the field for some time, about ways to strengthen your skill set. I also encourage recent graduates to be willing to take on a new assignment, to be a part of a new committee – all in the spirit of continuing to learn more about their field. Over time, you can garner information power, or even expert power, and develop a reputation for being a valuable resource in your organization and field.
Ms. Jacqueline Kelley Esq.
Adjunct ProfessorUniversity of Rhode Island
Public Administration
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Ms. Jacqueline Kelley Esq.: Data analysis is becoming more and more important to create informed decision making.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Ms. Jacqueline Kelley Esq.: Offer to learn different skills and continue to take courses to gain new knowledge and certifications.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Dr. Jessie Borelli Ph.D.: Students trained in psychological science have many skills but tend to undervalue or underestimate their own worth. Our students are qualified to work in human services, business and marketing, research and development, the non-profit sector, and data science. To find the job that’s right for you, it’s important to identify what your long-term career goals are and to have a vision of how you want to achieve those goals. Some career fields may require advanced degrees but for other positions, a bachelor’s degree with applicable experience may be sufficient.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jessie Borelli Ph.D.: The value of technical skills keeps increasing, and I can only imagine that these skills will continue to rise in value. One edge that psychological science students bring to the table is the ability to interpret data, as well as to understand the user experience that influences human behavior in digital spaces. For example, people with training in psychological science will be needed to consult on interpersonal interactions, promoting mental health in an increasing digital world and how to address issues of equity and inclusion in digital spaces.
Dr. Jacqueline Holland EdD, CFCS
Associate ProfessorMorgan State University
Family And Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Dr. Jacqueline Holland EdD, CFCS: The general advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career in the field is to focus on continuous learning, networking, and staying up-to-date with industry trends.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Jacqueline Holland EdD, CFCS: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in this field, it's essential to negotiate your salary, showcase your unique skills and experiences, and pursue professional development opportunities.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jacqueline Holland EdD, CFCS: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as data analysis, digital literacy, and adaptability will become more important and prevalent in the field.
Dr. Heather Lewis
Nazareth College of Rochester
Mathematics
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Dr. Heather Lewis: While some students do look for jobs directly related to mathematics, most of our students have found that their mathematics background is appealing to employers even outside of mathematics. With a background in math, you can do anything: this is so general that it can feel unhelpful, but in our experience it's surprisingly accurate. Math provides you with a skillset that is valuable in almost any career, and employers know this. Lean into problem solving and reasoning, look for something you find interesting, and see how those skills apply to that job. Math graduates tend to be very adaptable.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Heather Lewis: Problem solving, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking skills will remain important in many areas. Data interpretation and data analysis are likely to continue to be important.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Heather Lewis: Many of our students double major - a popular pairing is Mathematics and Ethical Data Science - which gives them experience with both real-life data and practice with applying their problem-solving skills to a variety of situations.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Dr. Amy Guisinger: Go into salary negotiations with knowledge. Research what other people are making with similar job titles and responsibilities. Many states require job postings to include starting salary and other forms of pay transparency. So even if you do not work in that state, you can benefit by knowing what others are making.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Amy Guisinger: I think that skills related to data analysis are going to be more important in the years to come. As collecting data is getting easier and less costly for firms, companies are looking for people who know how to use the data appropriately. Poor data collection methods and inaccurate models will lead to bad business decisions. These mistakes can be avoided by hiring employees with skills in data analytics and modeling.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Amy Guisinger: I think it's important at the beginning of your career to learn as much as you can. At this stage, you often have a rare opportunity to interact with many people and departments (even if it is through low-level tasks like dropping off reports). Take advantage of those opportunities by reflecting on what particular people or departments do. Ask yourself what tasks and projects you find the most interesting in your company and find out who is working on those things. Seek out interactions with these people to understand the skills that make them successful. Also, don't be afraid to ask people for a lunch or coffee meeting to discuss their job and seek advice.
What general advice would you give to a Data Management Specialist?
Dr. Darek Nalle: AI and data analytics skills will be crucial for efficiency gains and competitive advantage.
What Data Management Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Darek Nalle: Attain credentials, focus on completing tasks efficiently, and communicate effectively to build relationships.
What will help Data Management Specialists increase their earning potential?
Dr. Darek Nalle: Seek out a mentor. Join alumni associations and professional societies for networking. Volunteer in the local community.