Is data science a more stable career than web development?

The emergence of Data Science and its influence on Web Development is a remarkable change in today's technology-driven environment. These two fields are not diametrically opposed; they may interact and even complement each other. Both, however, demand distinct skill sets and techniques. Data science deals with extracting insights from data, whereas web development is focused on the creation of websites and applications. 

The fast-paced nature of the technology business emphasizes the importance of career stability. So, the current burning question is as follows: Is data science a more stable career path than a web development career? Let's find out in this article about the two fields and the best one for you.

Here is what we will cover:

• Data Science Career
• Data Science as a Career: Advantages and Challenges
• Web Development Career
• Web Development as a Career: Advantages and Challenges
• Factors Influencing Career Stability
• What Choice Will Work for You, Data Science or Web Development?
• Nail Data Science & Web Development Interview With Interview Kickstart
• FAQs About Data Science and Web Development

Data Science Career

What do experts say?

“Without big data analytics, companies are blind and deaf, wandering out onto the web like deer on a freeway.”

-Geoffrey Moore

(American Management Consultant and Author)

Data science is a field that combines several branches of learning. It covers scientific processes, algorithms, strategies, methodologies, and systems to derive details and insights from data, which is either structured or unstructured. Data scientists are individuals who play a major role as they are responsible creators of data-directed decision-making. Their main jobs include the collection, cleaning, and analysis of data. Additionally, the development of ML models and data visualization tools are their primary focuses too.

Skills and Qualifications Required for Data Science

A diversified skill set is required to achieve success as a data scientist. 

• One needs to have excelled in a Programming language (R, Python, etc.)
• Have a strong statistical understanding 
• Possess competence in data visualization tools 

Passing a graduation degree in a related discipline is preferred. Some data scientists pursue advanced postgraduate degrees or a doctorate for better opportunities.

Growth and Demand

The domain of data science is currently growing rapidly. Data scientists are in high demand as businesses increasingly rely on data-driven insights. Numerous case studies demonstrate career steadiness in data science, with specialists in high demand across multiple industries. For example, Data Scientists have steady, well-paying jobs at companies like Netflix, Google, etc.

Data scientists' employment is expected to expand by 35% between 2022 and 2032, substantially faster than the average for all occupations. On average, 17,700 opportunities for data scientists are expected per year over the next decade.

Data Science as a Career: Advantages and Challenges

When looking for a career in Data Science, it is important to go through both the advantages and disadvantages it entails.

Web Development Career

What do experts say?

“A designer knows he has achieved perfection not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.”

–Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

(French writer and journalist)

Web development is a field that concerns creating, designing, and upholding web applications and websites. Web developers are individuals who are skilled in drafting the user interface, providing functionality, and optimizing the performance of any site they handle.

Skills and Qualifications Required for Web Development

A web developer also needs to have diversified skills, but these are different from those of a data scientist. 

• They learn various programming languages that assist well in their creative work (JavaScript, CSS, HTML, etc.)
• They specialize either in frontend/backend development or even full-stack roles
• They showcase proficiency in coding languages
• Have excellent problem-solving and creativity skills

A degree is not strictly required for web development, as skills can suffice for the job. Passing a graduation degree in computer science or any related field is helpful, too. The majority of web developers upskill through self-directed study or by joining coding boot camps.

Growth and Demand

Because of the ongoing demand for online-based services, the web development area is in high demand. Numerous case studies demonstrate career stability in web development, with professionals finding jobs in a variety of industries and some even launching their own successful web development firms or agencies. Examples include web developers who have worked on big platforms and applications such as Facebook, Google, and e-commerce behemoths, gaining steady and well-paying roles.

Web developer and digital designer employment is expected to expand by 16% from 2022 to 2032, far quicker than the median rate for all occupations. On average, 19,000 new job openings for web developers and digital designers are expected per year during the next ten years. 

Web Development as a Career: Advantages and Challenges

Factors Influencing Career Stability

There are several factors that greatly influence both fields and play significant roles in the career stability of working professionals.

1. Market Trends and Industry Shifts

Unpredictable market trends and industry developments characterize the technological sector. Keeping yourself current with the latest technology and trends counts for career stability in both data science and web development. It is crucial to adjust to changes in development tools, data analysis techniques, programming languages, etc., to remain current and competitive in these domains.

2. Economic Factors and Job Market Fluctuations

Economic considerations and job market swings might have an impact on the viability of a tech career. Financial crises or recessions can cause a reduction in recruiting, affecting both data science and web development jobs. To be resilient, it is critical to be prepared to deal with economic shocks and to have a diverse set of skills.

3. Impact of Automation and AI

Both data science and web development are being transformed by automation and AI. While they can improve efficiency and streamline operations, they can pose a difficulty by automating certain job duties. Professionals in various sectors must accept AI as a tool to supplement their work while also adapting to the changing reality.

4. Potential for Remote Work and Freelancing

The technology sector allows for working from home and freelancing. This adaptability can help to ensure job security by allowing you to operate autonomously, partner with multinational clients, and keep up with projects even during economic downturns. Understanding how to take advantage of remote work and freelancing opportunities is an important skill for long-term career consistency in data science and web development.

What Choice Will Work for You, Data Science or Web Development?

If you are adamant about revving up your income quickly, then you must dive into data science. Then, you will be required to get the relevant degree and upskill accordingly. Data science has an incredibly promising future ahead for you. Web development, on the reverse side, is the path to take if you love to design and create the graphical and architectural parts of the web.

In terms of compensation, data science positions tend to pay more on average than web development positions. However, one has to remember that this gap may not take into consideration numerous advantages available to web developers, such as stock options and incentives. This demonstrates the bright and optimistic future that awaits web developers.

Nail Data Science & Web Development Interview With Interview Kickstart

Employers look for applicants with the correct qualifications, charisma, and excitement when recruiting a new Web Developer or Data Scientist. You should expect questions about your technical and soft abilities in a Web Developer interview.

Data scientists are in high demand around the world due to their ability to analyze large amounts of data and extract useful data points. However, preparation for interviews calls for an understanding of data analysis topics as well as practice with data scientist interview questions.

With over 17,500 professionals educated, we know what it takes to pass the most difficult technical interviews. Our graduates routinely receive job offers from FAANG+ organizations. The biggest offer ever received by an IK alum is $1.267 Million!

You will have the opportunity to study from seasoned instructors who are recruiting managers and tech leads at Facebook, Google, Apple, and other top Silicon Valley tech organizations at IK.

FAQs About Data Science and Web Development

1. Is HTML needed in Data Science?

Python, R, and MATLAB are popular programming languages for data science, while HTML is necessary for web development.

2. Can a Data Analyst be a Web developer?

Both a Data Analyst and a Web Developer are critical to a company's success. However, the work of a web developer differs greatly from that of a data analyst, and the skills required for each are not always transferable.

3. Is web scraping needed for Data Science?

Web scraping, or the technique of mechanically obtaining data from websites, is critical for gathering the massive amounts needed to power data science.

4. Which is harder, Web Development or Data Science?

When diving into the field of Data Science, it's helpful to have a strong background in math and statistics, as well as several programming languages. Data Science is far more difficult than web development. There are no such specific requirements for Web Development, and there are several fantastic online sources where you may study Web Development.

5. Who earns more, Web Developer or Data Scientist?

The following salary estimates of a Web Developer and a Data Scientist by Glassdoor show that a Data Scientist earns more than a Web Developer.