Data crunchers are in demand

Seeking a lucrative career? Learn to crunch data.

Data scientist is one of the hardest job vacancy categories to fill, as recruiters struggle in general to find talent in information technology and health care, according to a new report from job search site

Data scientists use statistics, database and machine learning software to interpret data for company strategies or actions. Since it’s a relatively new career with few universities offering degrees, workers in the field are hard to find, CareerCast says.

The shortage results in wage inflation, and data scientists’ median salary in 2015 totaled $128,240, the highest among the heavily-in-demand careers CareerCast listed in its report. Vacancies for data scientists are estimated to grow 16% by 2024, it says.

In compiling its report, CareerCast.com used federal government labor and salary data, hiring trends, university graduate employment data and its own job listings.

With the economy humming along and companies generally reporting rising earnings, the job market has remained robust.

With baby boomers expected to retire en masse in coming years, the CareerCast study reflects a shift in demand for professions that cater to the aging population. Job vacancies for home health aides and physical therapists are estimated to rise by 38% and 34% by 2024, respectively. Financial adviser vacancies are estimated to increase 30%.

Other professions in demand, based on growth outlook, include information security analyst, software engineer, registered nurse and truck driver.