Big data experts in demand

The importance of big data analytics continues to grow as businesses try to manage and store this valuable information. As a result, the need for skilled big data experts has never been greater, leading to impressive salaries for these staff members, according to a recent Triangle Business Journal report.

Chris McCrea, regional vice president for Robert Half Technology in Raleigh, said his firm issued a report that found more than 75 percent of businesses cannot gather enough customer information to determine buying habits. He also noted that companies are finding it difficult to locate skilled staff members to handle such duties, Triangle Business Journal reported.

“I think we fall right in line with the national trend you’re seeing there,” McCrea said, according to the news provider. “These are extremely difficult individuals to find because they’re so in demand. They’re demanding a pretty good salary right now and, once one becomes available, they have a lot of options.”

According to McCrea, data warehouse analysts, data architect and business intelligence analysts can earn anywhere from $94,250 to more than $145,000, the news source reported.

Although some organizations are finding difficulty locating big data experts, the IT trend will be responsible for a significant chunk of overall job growth throughout the IT industry.

Big data to create millions of jobs
Research firm Gartner predicted that the big data phenomenon will be the driving force behind 4.4 million new IT jobs by 2015, with nearly 2 million positions in the United States. According to Gartner Head of Research Peter Sondergaard, 6 million IT jobs will be generated in other areas as a direct result of the trend.

However, much like Robert Half found, the immediate demand for big data experts simply outweighs the current supply, Sondergaard added.

“But there is a challenge. There is not enough talent in the industry. Our public and private education systems are failing us. Therefore, only one-third of the IT jobs will be filled. Data experts will be a scarce, valuable commodity,” Sondergaard said.

It is clear that companies will have to take their lumps in the interim when it comes to finding big data experts. However, their patience may pay off in the long run as millions of jobs will be produced due to the value of these large information sets.