How to become データサイエンティストeducation, training, experience, licenses and the steps to enter

Japan AI & Data Confidence ★★★★★

Average annual pay
¥6.12M
≈ $38,915
Top pay (est.)
¥10.70M
Top 10% ¥9.18M
Pay in 5 years
¥6.33Mest.
2031
Pay in 10 years
¥6.54Mest.
¥5.63M–¥7.60M
Outlook score
57/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
73%
High
Labor demand
High
Openings-to-applicants 4.88x

How to become データサイエンティスト

The typical path in Japan is shown by the education, training and experience of current workers above and in the Japanese guidance below. A detailed English guide for this occupation is being prepared.

Guidance from job tag (Japanese)
この仕事に就いている人は、大学院等で統計学、数学、情報工学などを専攻している場合が多い。また、環境やバイオなどその他の理系の出身者や文系出身者もいる。大学院等でデータの収集・分析の素地を身につけていると仕事に生かせる。
 新卒で就職する場合、業種は様々であるが、大手IT企業、製造業、サービス業等が多い。中途採用では、情報処理技術者、通信技術者、マーケティングリサーチャー、製造業の研究者からなる場合が多い。ポストドクター(博士号取得者)からデータサイエンティストになる人もいる。
 IT、データ解析、ビジネス等の専門知識とスキルのほかに、コミュニケーション能力や発想力も要求される。データ解析の対象が幅広いため、自分の得意分野を生かして仕事をすることになる。

Skills, education and requirements for データサイエンティスト

Key skills

Reading Comprehension
5.5
Mathematics
5.1
Active Learning
5.0
Active Listening
5.0
Critical Thinking
5.0
Writing
4.9
Speaking
4.8
Programming
4.8

Skill levels from the MHLW job tag worker survey.

Key knowledge areas

Mathematics
3.0
Computers and Electronics
2.8
Administrative
2.2
Administration and Management
2.2
Sales and Marketing
2.0
Communications and Media
2.0
English Language
1.9
Foreign Language
1.9

What the work involves

Analyzing Data or InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationProcessing InformationWorking with ComputersUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeInterpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Important abilities

Written ExpressionMathematical ReasoningCategory FlexibilityWritten ComprehensionInductive ReasoningDeductive Reasoning

Licenses and certifications (Japan)

No specific license or certification is required.

Education of workers

Training before entry

Related work experience

Difficulty of entry: ★★★★☆ Demanding (from education, training, experience, licenses)

Career path and how to earn more as データサイエンティスト

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by experience is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: Basic Survey on Wage Structure (2025), Population Census and Hello Work employment statistics as published on the MHLW job tag site (retrieved Nov 1, 2026); Occupational Information Database (JILPT). Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.