Data Engineer vs Data Analyst vs Data Scientist: Career Guide for 2024

The tech field continues to transform, leading to the emergence of new job positions like Data Engineers, Data Analysts, and Data Scientists. Though these job positions are linked to each other but differ from each other in terms of functions and job roles.

Data Engineer

Data engineering involves the intricate process of transforming unprocessed data into a form that can be utilized by data scientists and various groups within an organization. This field covers a broad spectrum of data science areas. Data engineers develop unprocessed data analyses to generate predictive models and reveal patterns over both immediate and extended periods, while also ensuring the data is easily accessible.

“Data engineers are the backbone of any data-driven organization, as they are responsible for building and maintaining the infrastructure that supports data analysis.”

Skills Required for a Data Engineer

• Programming
• Big Data
• ETL Tools
• Cloud Computing
• Python
• SQL
• Coding
• Distributed Systems
• Hadoop

A data engineer at work

Salaries for a Data Engineer

In India, the average salary for a data engineer in 2024 is expected to be around ₹10.8 lakhs, as reported by AmbitionBox. The salary potential for a data engineer grows as they gain more experience.

Data Analyst

Data analysts gather, sort, and examine data collections to assist businesses or people in understanding data and making more intelligent choices. Although various analysts perform investigations to spot patterns and trends, data analysts use their technical abilities — like coding, combining data, creating visual representations, and programming statistical languages — to convert complex business issues into informed possible approaches and answers.

“Data analysts are the problem solvers of the data world, using their technical skills to turn complex data into actionable insights.”

Skills Required for a Data Analyst

• Database tools
• Data Visualization
• MATLAB
• SQL
• Data Management

A data analyst at work

Salary of Data Analysts in 2024

According to PayScale, the typical annual income for a Data Analyst in India in 2024 stands at ₹4,64,928.

Data Scientist

Data scientists are experts in analyzing data, possessing the technical abilities to tackle intricate issues. They engage with various aspects of mathematics, statistics, and computer science, gathering, examining, and making sense of vast quantities of information.

“Data scientists are the masters of data, using their expertise to uncover hidden patterns and trends that drive business decisions.”

Skills required for a data scientist

• Statistics and probability
• Data Wrangling and Database Management
• Cloud Computing
• Programming

A data scientist at work

Salaries of a data scientist

According to Ambition box, the remuneration for a data scientist in India can range from ₹3.8 to 26 lakh per annum, with an average annual income of ₹10 lakh.

Conclusion:

Data Engineer vs Data Analyst vs Data Scientist

The positions of Data Engineer vs. Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist are unique but also linked together. Everyone is essential in making good use of data. As we progress into 2024, there are many chances available in these areas, and the influence of these experts on both business and society will continue to expand.

The future of data science is bright