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Job outlook for data science interns in the United States
Data science internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected data science internship job growth rate is 19% from 2018-2028.
About 150,300 new jobs for data science interns are projected over the next decade.
Data science internship salaries have increased 5% for data science interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 10,710 data science interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 124,258 active data science internship job openings in the US.
The average data science internship salary is $42,841.
Are data science internship jobs in demand?
Data science internship job and salary trends over time
Data science internship jobs over time
Data science internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 10,710 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 10,159 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 9,988 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 9,394 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 8,780 | 0.00% |
Average data science internship salary over time
Data science internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $42,841 | $20.60 | +3.2% |
| 2024 | $41,526 | $19.96 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $41,090 | $19.75 | --0.2% |
| 2022 | $41,162 | $19.79 | +1.1% |
| 2021 | $40,725 | $19.58 | +0.7% |
Data science internship jobs by state
Most common states for data science interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 323 | 47% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 239 | 38% |
| 3 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 288 | 33% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 192 | 33% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 312 | 32% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 242 | 32% |
| 7 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,143 | 31% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 413 | 31% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 323 | 31% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 228 | 31% |
| 11 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 370 | 28% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,100 | 27% |
| 13 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 460 | 27% |
| 14 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 261 | 25% |
| 15 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 457 | 24% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 828 | 23% |
| 17 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,328 | 22% |
| 18 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 668 | 22% |
| 19 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 650 | 21% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,705 | 19% |
Most common cities for data science interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 6 | 22% | $30,453 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 5 | 13% | $48,627 |
| 3 | Juneau | 4 | 12% | $56,825 |
| 4 | Dover | 4 | 11% | $73,115 |
| 5 | Lansing | 7 | 6% | $44,913 |
| 6 | Des Moines | 7 | 3% | $35,546 |
| 7 | Hartford | 4 | 3% | $65,252 |
| 8 | Springfield | 4 | 3% | $36,885 |
| 9 | Topeka | 4 | 3% | $32,101 |
| 10 | Carmel | 3 | 3% | $37,959 |
| 11 | Boston | 14 | 2% | $61,678 |
| 12 | Atlanta | 9 | 2% | $33,611 |
| 13 | Baton Rouge | 4 | 2% | $30,654 |
| 14 | Little Rock | 4 | 2% | $32,904 |
| 15 | Tallahassee | 4 | 2% | $29,191 |
| 16 | Sacramento | 6 | 1% | $67,564 |
| 17 | Orlando | 3 | 1% | $28,774 |
| 18 | Indianapolis | 4 | 0% | $37,652 |
Data Science Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of data science internship experts
Kennesaw State University
Adelphi University
University of Maryland - College Park
Utah State University
Kettering University
Montclair State University
University of Rhode Island
University of California, Irvine
Morgan State University
Nazareth College of Rochester
Roosevelt University
Loyola University New Orleans
Pennsylvania State University - Great Valley School of Graduate Professional Studies
What general advice would you give to a Data Science Internship?
Yipeng Yang: Logic and critical thinking, mathematical modeling, computer programming, data analytics, and communication.
What will help Data Science Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Partha Sengupta: Fit to jobs like Data Controllers and Data Processors understanding both USA and International data privacy and protection laws, implementing data protection into system and processes, auditing, authentication, and access control. Creators of robust and secured databases and recommender systems using collaborative, content, hybrid and contextual filtering. One such example is Deep Learning Recommendation Learning (DLRM). Data storage, processability and usage in edge computing in IoT devices including personalized chatbots. Running A.I. (AIoT), analytics, and other business capabilities on IoT devices, consolidate edge data at scale and eliminate data silos, deploy manage and help secure edge workloads remotely, optimize the costs of running edge solutions, and enable devices to react faster to local changes. Handling data related to medical instruments, medical chatbots, and usage of A.I for data analytics in application of telemedicine, diagnosis accuracy, and medical laboratories. Medical data analytics of A.I application in mental health disorders (MHD) and medical image classification. Another important aspect of genetic data and the application of A.I on it. Language Model architectures using human language data, deep learning algorithms, and application of generative transformers
What will help Data Science Interns 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 Data Science Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Yeol Huh: Pursuing certification programs in data analytics and AI fundamentals, offered by organizations like Google or Microsoft, can be beneficial before starting your career. Additionally, securing an internship to gain firsthand experience in the field can significantly enhance your salary potential. Lastly, developing an electronic portfolio where you can compile the works you have done and showcase your skills and knowledge can be an extra help.
What Data Science Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Shana Caro: Graduates beginning their careers should always think about their personal growth and strengths. When picking a career, consider what your strengths are. If you are good at computer programming, pick a career like software design. If you are good at translating complex scientific results into clear English, pick a career like data sciences, sales for a biotech company, or medical writing. In every job, have goals for the skills you want to develop and work on those. Find a mentor in your work who can help you accomplish those.
What general advice would you give to a Data Science Internship?
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 Science Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Polly Conrad: Entering the job market with a degree in Information Systems or Data Analytics can be both exciting and daunting. The landscape of these fields is dynamic, with continuous advancements in technology and methodologies. Here are some key pieces of advice for new graduates:
1. Embrace Lifelong Learning: The tech industry evolves rapidly, and staying relevant requires continuous learning. Engage in professional development opportunities, attend workshops, and earn certifications in emerging technologies and methodologies (Utah State University Graduate Certificates). 2. Network Actively: Building a strong professional network can open doors to job opportunities and career advancements. Attend industry conferences, join professional associations, and leverage platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals. 3. Seek Mentorship: Finding a mentor can provide invaluable guidance and insights. Mentors can help you navigate your career path, offer advice on skill development, and provide support during challenging times. 4. Gain Practical Experience: Internships, co-op programs, and project-based work can provide hands-on experience that is highly valued by employers (Utah State University Analytics Solutions Center). Practical experience helps you apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and enhances your resume.
Dr. Osama Aljarrah
Assistant ProfessorKettering University
Manufacturing Engineering
What Data Science Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Osama Aljarrah: As someone who deeply cares about my students' success beyond graduation, I strongly recommend seeking a mentor. Choose someone you respect and whose career path inspires you—whether it's a teacher, manager, or even a family member. A good mentor can offer invaluable guidance and support as you navigate the early stages of your career.
What Data Science Internship skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Louis Rocconi Ph.D.: With the advent of AI and the growing use of other technologies in education, the ability to utilize these new tools effectively and ethically will be critical. Questions such as “How can AI tools be used in a practical and ethical way to enhance the work evaluators do?” will become more crucial in the next few years. I also think data analysis skills and the ability to interpret results for a wide variety of audiences will continue to be paramount for future success in the field.
What general advice would you give to a Data Science Internship?
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.
Ms. Jacqueline Kelley Esq.
Adjunct ProfessorUniversity of Rhode Island
Public Administration
What general advice would you give to a Data Science Internship?
Ms. Jacqueline Kelley Esq.: Data analysis is becoming more and more important to create informed decision making.
What Data Science Internship 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.
What will help Data Science Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jessie Borelli Ph.D.: My experience as a professor leads me to believe that psychology students tend to underestimate their skills and talents. I encourage students to document their experiences and the skills they develop from the moment they begin their undergraduate education, as well as to remember that the skills they accumulate are likely valuable, transferrable skills. For instance, if they work in a research lab and know how to design a survey and analyze quantitative data, these are skills that can be used not only in the psychology research space but also in a marketing, data science, R&D;, or non-profit spaces. If they have worked in a community engagement internship, learning how to forge connections with community partners, work with diverse stakeholders, or conduct a focus group, they have amassed a set of skills that could transfer to many different settings that involve working with people with divergent viewpoints. For instance, their skills may translate to a mediation/law context, to a non-profit context, or they may be well suited to continue work in community organizing. If students begin thinking like employers, they may start to view their training as assets they have developed and can carry with them.
Dr. Jacqueline Holland EdD, CFCS
Associate ProfessorMorgan State University
Family And Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences
What will help Data Science Interns 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 will help Data Science Interns 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 will help Data Science Interns increase their earning potential?
John Clark Ph.D., CFA, CFP®: The job market for entry level jobs in finance has become increasingly competitive in the last year or two. Students or recent graduates need to position their resumes in a way that gets them noticed. Over the last year, many large companies have dramatically increased the use of AI to filter candidates. As a result, it is important for candidates to position their resumes to defeat the AI screener and increase the chances of being passed to a human. The best way to do this is to acquire and communicate competencies that the AI might deem worthy of further investigation. A great way to do this is by taking advantage of industry certifications. Certifications in technical tools like Excel, Python, R, Power BI, and SQL are available from a number of sources. Industry badges, credentials and progress towards Professional Certification can also garner some attention. Things like passing Level 1 of the CFA or perhaps completing certificate programs like the CFA Institute's certificates in ESG, Private Equity, or Data Analytics are good ways to get the attention of potential employers.
What will help Data Science Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr La Vonne Downey: Get the best education you can, use the jobs platforms, and continue your education and or certifications. Vote in every election and be an information source to educate Also remember no matter what you do to continue to volunteer and help others.
What will help Data Science Interns increase their earning potential?
David Gerberry Ph.D.: Again, right at the start one can maximize their salary by having some Data Science, programming, and statistical background in addition to their Mathematics training.
What will help Data Science Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Todd Bacile Ph.D.: Data analytics and statistics skills will become more important and prevalent in the marketing field in the next 3-5 years.
What general advice would you give to a Data Science Internship?
Raghu Sangwan: Before you graduate, engage in experiential learning through internships or work on industry-sponsored projects. In addition to technical skills, develop soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. Showcase your skills and abilities through a personal website. Network and build relationships with professionals in the field by attending industry events and joining professional organizations. These activities can provide valuable insights, mentorship and job opportunities that can lead to higher-paying jobs.
What general advice would you give to a Data Science Internship?
Janna Dorman: As more companies ask their employees to do more with less, knowing how to be efficient while maintaining high quality will be valuable. AI is a hot topic and it's only going to become more engrained in the work that we do. Knowing how and when to use AI as well as writing AI prompts will likely be expected.