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Job outlook for data managers in the United States
Data manager job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected data manager job growth rate is 16% from 2018-2028.
About 82,400 new jobs for data managers are projected over the next decade.
Data manager salaries have increased 11% for data managers in the last 5 years.
There are over 13,985 data managers currently employed in the United States.
There are 147,574 active data manager job openings in the US.
The average data manager salary is $108,359.
Are data manager jobs in demand?
Data manager job and salary trends over time
Data manager jobs over time
Data manager job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13,985 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 13,181 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 12,508 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 11,282 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 10,541 | 0.00% |
Average data manager salary over time
Data manager salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $108,359 | $52.10 | +3.3% |
| 2024 | $104,925 | $50.44 | +2.7% |
| 2023 | $102,179 | $49.12 | +2.4% |
| 2022 | $99,806 | $47.98 | +2.5% |
| 2021 | $97,354 | $46.80 | +3.2% |
Data manager jobs by state
Most common states for data managers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 465 | 67% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,354 | 34% |
| 3 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,201 | 29% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 810 | 26% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 347 | 26% |
| 6 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 868 | 24% |
| 7 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 2,053 | 23% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 170 | 23% |
| 9 | California | 39,536,653 | 8,665 | 22% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,829 | 22% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 227 | 22% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,190 | 21% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,016 | 20% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,491 | 20% |
| 15 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,148 | 20% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 376 | 20% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 209 | 20% |
| 18 | New York | 19,849,399 | 3,761 | 19% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,374 | 19% |
| 20 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,953 | 19% |
Most common cities for data managers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Annapolis | 12 | 30% | $85,620 |
| 2 | Dover | 7 | 19% | $95,354 |
| 3 | Atlanta | 38 | 8% | $92,136 |
| 4 | Hartford | 9 | 7% | $98,489 |
| 5 | Lansing | 8 | 7% | $91,919 |
| 6 | Tallahassee | 10 | 5% | $86,900 |
| 7 | Montgomery | 8 | 4% | $87,566 |
| 8 | Boston | 23 | 3% | $98,468 |
| 9 | Washington | 12 | 2% | $86,905 |
| 10 | Denver | 11 | 2% | $75,809 |
| 11 | Sacramento | 11 | 2% | $133,800 |
| 12 | Chicago | 29 | 1% | $91,529 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 15 | 1% | $97,408 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 12 | 1% | $83,509 |
| 15 | San Diego | 9 | 1% | $117,809 |
| 16 | Baltimore | 8 | 1% | $85,681 |
| 17 | Detroit | 7 | 1% | $92,709 |
| 18 | Los Angeles | 15 | 0% | $122,238 |
Data Manager job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of data manager experts
Mississippi College
University of Illinois at Chicago
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
University of Rhode Island
University of California, Irvine
Nazareth College of Rochester
Lafayette College
University of Oregon
Old Dominion University
Florida International University
Central Connecticut State University
What general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
Yipeng Yang: Logic and critical thinking, mathematical modeling, computer programming, data analytics, and communication.
What Data Manager 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 Managers increase their earning potential?
Yipeng Yang: Enhance problem-solving ability. Keep learning and improving new skills in your field.
What Data Manager 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 Data Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Michael Zhang: Don’t worry about your job title. Regardless of what you do, prepare yourself with data and modeling skills and hands-on experience in applying knowledge for developing, evaluating, refining and implementing analytics solutions to your career.
What general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
Taylor Poe Ph.D.: Remember to problem solve creatively just as you did in your coursework. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills you learned will be continually tested in whatever field you go into from your math degree. Also remember the benefits of collaborating with colleagues both in the field and in other disciplines.
Tim Scales
Director of Center for Entrepreneurship – Director Center for Economic Education and Senior Lecturer in Business and EconomicsWhat general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
Tim Scales: I would advise a graduate beginning their career in the field to focus on building a strong network, continuously learning and adapting to new technologies and trends, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in the industry.
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
Medical Illustration And Informatics
What Data Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.: By targeting positions that align with your background and expertise and by adjusting aspects of your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills and competencies in relation to the position you are applying for. Also, by negotiating your salary and providing justification as to why you deserve more than the initial offer. Do your research and talk to people to gain a better understanding of what is the salary range of the position you are applying.
What general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
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 Manager 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 Managers 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 general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
Dr. Osama Aljarrah: The capacity to solve complex problems in real-time settings. What enables you to do that is the ability to analyze information systematically and make data-driven decisions using artificial intelligence, data analytics, lean manufacturing, lean six sigma, and programming skills.
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 Manager?
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 Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Sunhyung Lee: Pursue advanced education or specialized certifications to enhance your qualifications and increase your market value to employers.
What will help Data Managers 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 Manager?
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 Manager 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 Managers 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.
Ms. Jacqueline Kelley Esq.
Adjunct ProfessorUniversity of Rhode Island
Public Administration
What general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
Ms. Jacqueline Kelley Esq.: Data analysis is becoming more and more important to create informed decision making.
What will help Data Managers 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 Manager?
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 Manager 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. Heather Lewis
Nazareth College of Rochester
Mathematics
What general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
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 will help Data Managers 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 Manager?
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 general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
Dr. Darek Nalle: AI and data analytics skills will be crucial for efficiency gains and competitive advantage.
What Data Manager 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 Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Darek Nalle: Seek out a mentor. Join alumni associations and professional societies for networking. Volunteer in the local community.
What general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
Dr. Brittany Suggs Ph.D., MPH, LPC: Thank you both for extending the opportunity! Feel absolutely welcome to send the questions or related information my way for further review. Happy to contribute to this noteworthy endeavor!
What Data Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Brittany Suggs Ph.D., MPH, LPC: Thank you both for extending the opportunity! Feel absolutely welcome to send the questions or related information my way for further review. Happy to contribute to this noteworthy endeavor!
Dr. Arun Upadhyay PhD
ProfessorFlorida International University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What Data Manager skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Arun Upadhyay PhD: Those who plan to build a career in business and finance/economics related areas will need a set of technical, analytical, and communication abilities. Proficiency in statistical methods and tools will be essential for analyzing data and making data-driven decisions. But strong critical thinking skills, logical reasoning, and the ability to approach problems systematically will be essential too. We can not ignore the ability to communicate complex analytical findings clearly and effectively to non-technical stakeholders either.
Dr. Alfredo Rosete PhD
Associate Professor of EconomicsCentral Connecticut State University
Economics
What general advice would you give to a Data Manager?
Dr. Alfredo Rosete PhD: Critical thinking, strategizing using data insights, creating a strategy for data collection
What will help Data Managers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Alfredo Rosete PhD: Pay attention to transferable skills that you can leverage for moving up in a company ladder or moving to similar jobs that pay more in different companies. Keep learning new skills that have a broad applicability.