Big Data Roles and Pay

Big Data Roles and PayBig Data Roles and PayMany IT professionals, including chief information officers (CIOs), are looking for ways to take greater and greater advantage of big data. Big data is also one of the fastest-growing tech areas, with companies racing to capitalize on its potential.As data-collection technology comes of age, costs have decreased and acceptance has become widespread. That means tech professionals skilled in this area are looking at a booming job market. Current demand for experienced data professionals far outstrips the supply of qualified candidates.As a result of these trends, many companies are increasing salaries of IT professionals with expertise in mining big data. Following are some of the most in-demand positions for IT employees working with big data, along with starting salary midpoints for the coming year, according to the 2019 Robert Half Technology Salary Guide.Business intelligence analyst. These analysts use collected data to compile reports a nd support business-oriented decision making. The salary midpoint for this position is $106,000.Data architect. In coordination with systems and database admins, data architects implement the companys individual data architecture. The salary midpoint is projected to be $133,500.Data security analyst. The responsibilities of a data security analyst focus simultaneously on big data and cybersecurity. They include data security auditing, risk assessments and developing company security policy. The salary midpoint for this job is projected to be $125,250 in the coming year.Getting hiredStay current on starting pay for jobs in your area by using a salary calculator. Knowing what a nearby competitor may offer makes salary negotiation a much simpler process - especially if you end up with multiple offers.In targeting a position, focus on your career preferences. For example, getting hired at an organization new to the big data arena means youll be coming in on the ground floor. So you can play a role in the development and implementation of a data-mining infrastructure. If helping set up companies is not your ideal area, aim for firms that are already established in the field.On your resume, dont forget to list your soft skills along with your technical ones. Creativity, for example, is a plus for any position (and sometimes a requirement), and interpersonal abilities are crucial for any IT job that involves multiple departments.If you want to work in a challenging, growth-oriented IT area, big data offers plenty of opportunity right now. So get clear on your goals, and start looking around for the right position.This post has been updated to reflect more current information. Tags