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Job outlook for data migration specialists in the United States
Are data migration specialist jobs in demand?
Data migration specialist job and salary trends over time
Data migration specialist jobs over time
Data migration specialist job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 929 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 938 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 203 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 599 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 583 | 0.00% |
Average data migration specialist salary over time
Data migration specialist salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $81,476 | $39.17 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $78,792 | $37.88 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $77,008 | $37.02 | +1.5% |
| 2022 | $75,845 | $36.46 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $74,606 | $35.87 | +1.6% |
Data migration specialist jobs by state
Most common states for data migration specialists
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 321 | 46% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,943 | 28% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 201 | 27% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 177 | 24% |
| 5 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 444 | 23% |
| 6 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,328 | 22% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 300 | 22% |
| 8 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 193 | 22% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 651 | 21% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 218 | 21% |
| 11 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 642 | 20% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,087 | 19% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 681 | 19% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 259 | 19% |
| 15 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,810 | 18% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,035 | 18% |
| 17 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,175 | 17% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 296 | 17% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,456 | 16% |
| 20 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,112 | 16% |
Most common cities for data migration specialists
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Neenah | 1 | 4% | $73,566 |
| 2 | Dallas | 2 | 0% | $88,383 |
| 3 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $80,571 |
| 4 | Richmond | 1 | 0% | $84,166 |
| 5 | Washington | 1 | 0% | $78,203 |
Data Migration Specialist job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of data migration specialist experts
University of Maryland - College Park
University of Missouri - St Louis
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
University of North Georgia
University of Maine at Fort Kent
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Furman University
University of Pennsylvania
Arkansas State University
Monmouth University
Oakland University
The Citadel
Montclair State University
InterNACHI
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Stony Brook University
Binghamton University
What will help Data Migration 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.
What Data Migration 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.
Fangjun Sang
Assistant Professor of AccountingUniversity of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Accounting And Related Services
What Data Migration Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fangjun Sang: Data analytics skills. Specifically, be able to learn new software tools quickly, be able to analyze databases and find patterns or issues from data analysis.
What Data Migration Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Janna Dorman: The first job you take after you graduate likely won't be a forever job. Knowing that, lean into what you can learn from your first job - what do you like or dislike about the company, culture, industry, and work? When you're ready to move to a different role or company, you'll have some information to help you decide what's next.
What will help Data Migration Specialists increase their earning potential?
Denise McWilliams: The usual skills will always remain important such as problem solving, critical thinking, and communication. However, as industries and technologies evolve, it will be increasingly important to understand how to analyze data, derive meaningful insights from data, translate insights into action, and critically evaluate the results of those actions. It will be increasingly important to be flexible, adaptable, and innovative. Innovative ideas do not have to come from your own department or company. Look for ideas from many sources both within and external to the organization. Additionally, the workforce of the future will need to be able to interact with artificial intelligence such as intelligent assistants (agents). There are already applications that provide this capability. Knowing how to use AI to augment your work will be invaluable to your success and that of the organization. Therefore, 1) understand analytics and 2) understand artificial intelligence.
What Data Migration Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Brett Zollinger Ph.D.: There will be so much data coming to us from various online sources (including much that is AI-generated) that knowing how to scrutinize it, mine it for quality gems, and then apply it will be highly valuable to organizations. Sociology graduates on the job will need solid footing in research methods, data literacy, and AI prompt engineering -- skills being taught in sociology curricula. The ability to make compelling cases for new or enhanced programmatic funding will be increasingly important, a reason that we require grant proposal writing in our core sociology curriculum. Also, sociology majors tend to be good at "reading the room" for the many social cues occurring in meetings, collaborative work, etc., and they also tend to be skilled in anticipating ways that organizational change affects other social actors - both internal and external to the organization. It's difficult to imagine that these abilities won't always be highly appreciated by employers for the foreseeable future.
Reed Nonken
Assistant Professor of Project and Supply Chain ManagementUniversity of Maine at Fort Kent
Business Administration, Management And Operations
What will help Data Migration Specialists increase their earning potential?
Reed Nonken: When it comes to maximizing your salary potential, keep the following in mind:
Build the Foundation: Invest time in your organization, consistently showcasing your skills and contributions.
Negotiation Skills: Develop strong negotiation skills with transparency and professionalism. Research industry standards and articulate your value to the organization.
Performance Reviews: Regularly discuss your performance with supervisors, highlighting achievements and discussing potential salary adjustments based on merit.
Professional Development: Invest in your professional development by acquiring additional certifications and seeking opportunities for skill enhancement.
Remember, a successful career is built over time, and proactive investment in your skills and contributions will be recognized by good organizations. Best of luck in your career journey!
What Data Migration Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Katherine Fabel: We see students go on to so many different fields with a Sociology degree: social work and mental health; research and data analysis; law and criminology; advocacy, policy, and the nonprofit fields; business and human resources; and education, just to name a few. Regardless of the field our alumni pursue after graduation, the underlying skills that students learn in Sociology are only becoming more important in the work force: developing a deep understanding of the root causes of social inequality, learning how to think critically, learning to interpret and analyze data, learning to write and communicate skillfully, understanding how to conduct social research, and building a cultural and social awareness of inequality and discrimination.
Ahmed Maamoun Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Marketing & 8X Recipient of the University of Minnesota’s Certificate for “Outstanding Teaching and Dedication to Helping Students Learn”University of Minnesota - Duluth
Marketing
What will help Data Migration Specialists increase their earning potential?
Ahmed Maamoun Ph.D.: The news from the job market is quite startling. A recent study from McKinsey & Company
estimates that nearly half of all U.S. jobs will be automated by 2030. Artificial Intelligence,
machine learning, and robots will make routine and conventional jobs obsolete. Most of what
students are learning will be irrelevant and dated by the time they graduate. This highlights the
need for emphasizing not just the academic abilities of graduates, but their soft and professional
skills as well. Graduates (regardless of their undergraduate major) who demonstrate a capacity to
think critically, communicate clearly, learn adaptively, make ethical decisions, work well with
others, and solve complex problems will stand a better chance of surviving in that ever-changing
job market. For example, in one survey, 93% of employers reported that "a candidate's
demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems is
more important than his or her undergraduate major."
Chiara Palladino
ProfessorFurman University
Department of Classics
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Data Migration Specialists?
Chiara Palladino: The coronavirus pandemic has dramatically accelerated some trends that were already in place: it will become increasingly difficult to pursue traditional academic careers in Classics, for example by accessing graduate schools and, even more, getting to stable professorial jobs. However, it also represents an important opportunity, for Classics departments and graduates, to go beyond traditional academic careers: the beauty of majoring in Classics is precisely that it does not dictate a single career path. It's time to explore the possibilities: our Classics graduates at Furman have successfully pursued careers in Medicine, Law, Cultural Resource Management, Business, and even the Army.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Data Migration Specialists?
Chiara Palladino: More than acquiring a specific piece of paper, it's important to be able to articulate the value of a major in Classical languages and culture. Classics is not just about being able to read Homer or Cicero: it's a deep dive into information technology. A Classicist has a unique understanding of how information changed through history, being transmitted, manipulated, and preserved in many different ways, up to today's digital revolution. The study of "dead languages", which complements this knowledge, is a method of manipulating and analyzing information at an incredibly deep level of detail. Students, but also departments, should be willing to explore how these methods can be developed in diverse scenarios. For example, courses that apply computational approaches to Classical languages are a great way to develop marketable skills: you can study the Odyssey and learn coding at the same time, developing a cutting-edge skillset in an exciting and meaningful way
What will help Data Migration Specialists increase their earning potential?
Chiara Palladino: A Classical education can a powerful tool, when meaningfully combined with other subjects. For example, one can combine two majors in Mathematics and Classics, and learn how to apply mathematical logic to the syntactical analysis of Ancient Greek. Students should pursue learning opportunities that challenge them to apply diverse approaches to complex problems, and this will make their approach stand out in an ever-changing job market that requires extremely flexible skills.
Moreover, Classics will make you stand out in the crowd, if you know how to use it. The reason why students pick Classics in the first place is because ancient cultures are endlessly fascinating, with myth, history, and art that have so many ramifications in today's life. A Classics student should learn how to communicate those stories: maybe Classics won't give you easy access to a predetermined professional path, but being a highly educated storyteller will make you memorable in networking situations, and it will make you stand out among a pool of almost identical competitors.
What soft skills should all Data Migration Specialists possess?
Abraham Wyner: They should be able to do basic statistical analyses on their own without running for help (summarize data, cross tabulations, basic visualizations and regression of one variable). Of course, they need to use Excel and have some programming skills so they can learn the particular tool on the job easily (if they have never programmed this is hard).
How have salaries changed over time for Data Migration Specialists?
Abraham Wyner: I believe salaries in data analysis have skyrocketed. It's one of the highest-paying jobs now.
Dr. Ferebee Tunno Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorArkansas State University
Department of Mathematics and Statistics
What technical skills for a Data Migration Specialist stand out to employers?
Dr. Ferebee Tunno Ph.D.: For people looking for a job in statistics (my field), it is essential to have knowledge of powerful software packages like R or SAS.
What's a good job out of college for Data Migration Specialists?
Dr. Ferebee Tunno Ph.D.: Becoming an actuary is very practical and the pay is good. Plus, you don't need a Ph.D. to become one.
Becoming a statistics professor (like myself) is also a very rewarding job. We have the dual satisfaction of helping students to become clear-thinkers as well as introducing them to the creative world of research.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Data Migration Specialists?
Joseph Coyle Ph.D.: It is hard to say to be honest. In some sense the students graduating in the spring of 2021 have had to be more resourceful than normal during their time. I think they are better prepared for that experience. In terms of employment or graduate school, the story is probably less positive. My sense is that there are a lot of unknowns companies and graduates schools are facing. Having said that, if there is an enduring impact, it will be one that is more positive. We have all been forced to think about what we do in a different way and, in my opinion, that generally leads to a positive outcome.
What experience really stands out on Data Migration Specialist resumes?
Joseph Coyle Ph.D.: That's a tough one to be honest. I believe that most undergrad programs, for example, have much of the same courses. What would stand out to me are the out of the classroom experiences such as internships, participating in undergraduate research projects, volunteering, and things like that.
What type of skills will young Data Migration Specialists need?
Nicole Dambrun: Many students aren't enthuthiastic about taking classes online, which is understandable, but I think having online classes on your resume demonstrates that you've been able to learn and communicate in an online setting, which will be an important skill for any job that involves working remotely full or part time.
Dr. Todd Wittman Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorThe Citadel
Department of Mathematical Sciences
What skills stand out on Data Migration Specialist resumes?
Dr. Todd Wittman Ph.D.: I would strongly recommend any mathematics major to get a good background in statistics and computer programming, even if that is not going to be their primary field of study. You can still concentrate on the topics that interest you, but it is important to diversify your skill set.
Getting involved in a research project tells a prospective employer that you have done work beyond the classroom. It shows that you can tackle a difficult problem that does not have an answer in the back of the textbook. At most colleges and universities, faculty are eager to work with bright undergraduate students on projects. Students are often intimidated by their faculty, but it does not hurt to ask. It might result in an interesting research experience, internship, or even a lead on a job after graduation.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Data Migration Specialists to find work opportunities?
Dr. Todd Wittman Ph.D.: There are certainly hubs for data analysis at big tech companies in California and Washington and at government organizations in Virginia and D.C. But the pandemic has opened up possibilities for a wider array of geographic locations. In many fields, employers have now realized that their employees can work remotely and still get just as much work done as if they were in an office. A job applicant with a glowing resume might be able to make the argument for working from home anywhere in the world.
What Data Migration Specialist skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Shaon Ghosh: Speaking for physics graduates specifically, and STEM graduates in general, I believe that the future is going to be a knowledge-based economy driven by data. It is also a sector that has been the least affected by the pandemic. If there is one skill that students should have in their repertoire, it is "technical computing skill". Note that I am intentionally not calling it "computer programming skill", which is a much more general term (encompassing anything from web-page designing to coding a new Linux operating system).
It is important that students should know how to handle and analyze large volumes of data and how to use advanced numerical and statistical techniques to produce quantitative inferences that have subjective and objective value. This is what I am referring to as technical computing skill. I am not saying that other types of programming skills will not be useful. But, if you have one year to prepare, in my opinion, this is a skill where you can invest your time to get the most benefit.
What type of skills will young Data Migration Specialists need?
Nick Gromicko: They need to stop earning "underwater basket weaving" and "aroma therapy" degrees and instead learn the trades: electrical, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, etc. There are simply not enough Americans who know how things work, how to build them, and how to repair them.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Data Migration Specialists to find work opportunities?
Nick Gromicko: InterNACHI has 26,700 members at www.nachi.org/nachi-stats and many of those companies are constantly hiring.
Dr. Elisabeth Kramer-Simpson
Program DirectorNew Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
Technical Communication program
What experience really stands out on Data Migration Specialist resumes?
Dr. Elisabeth Kramer-Simpson: Real-world projects and communication experience interfacing with users and customers.
Lab experience/STEM experience because this gives a high level of technical expertise.
Coding and the ability to learn different software and specifically the ability to adapt to what the company uses.
Professional skills like taking initiative and writing/editing skills are also valuable.
Teamwork and collaboration experience.
Xingye Qiao Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorBinghamton University
Department of Mathematical Sciences
How do you envision technology impacting Data Migration Specialists in the next 5 years?
Xingye Qiao Ph.D.: On the Ph.D. level, yes. Greater computing power will move the research activities very rapidly.
Not so much at the undergraduate level. If any change, it is likely not due to technology innovation but an open mind to change our existing curriculum.