Data Scientists Society Releases Survey Results for Individual Members

The utilization of AI in business is projected to grow to 74%, with 41% involved in AI integration and promotion efforts. Job satisfaction stands at 46%, up 9 percentage points from the previous year, though perceptions of future prospects continue to decline. Only 24% of organizations have internal training programs, indicating stagnation in workforce development and highlighting the need for improved environments and working conditions.

The Data Scientists Society (headquartered in Minato-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Takashi Takahashi; hereinafter “the Society”) has released the results of a survey on the current status of data scientists (hereinafter “DS”) conducted among its individual members.

<Summary of Survey Results>

・The rate of generative AI usage in business has grown from 31% in 2023 to nearly double at 60% in 2024, and is projected to reach 74% by 2026.

・Generative AI is being used across a wide range of scenarios, from document summarization to programming and debugging.

・41% are involved in AI integration into business operations or promotion of its use.

・Job satisfaction is at 46%, up 9 percentage points from the previous survey.

・70% perceive a positive future for data scientists, maintaining a high level, though the trend continues to decline gradually.

・Only 27% feel their skills are being fully utilized.

・62% have never changed jobs, the lowest rate to date, indicating increased labor mobility.

・Most data scientists transition from internal department transfers or career changes from other roles; few enter data analysis directly as new graduates.

・Job-type employment for data scientists stands at 22%, lower than the average rate among general companies.

・Only 24% of companies have internal training programs, a figure that has stagnated in recent years.

・Lack of career development paths and role models for data scientists remains a key challenge.

[Purpose of the Survey]

The Research and Survey Committee of the Data Scientists Society (Chair: Shuiku Shioya) conducts regular online surveys targeting individual members to understand the current status of practicing data scientists. This is the 10th consecutive survey since 2015. The 2025 November refresh of the skill set framework prompted questions on awareness and adoption of the new standards. Additional items were included to assess involvement in integrating generative AI into business processes, beyond mere usage.

By consistently tracking data scientists’ characteristics, skills, corporate demands, job satisfaction, and future outlook, the survey aims to clarify the current state of alignment between companies and data science talent.

[Survey Findings]

Regarding the results, Ayako Tomita (Oricom Co., Ltd.), who led the survey as a member of the Research and Survey Committee, stated:

"We have conducted our 10th survey targeting individual members of the Data Scientists Society. This year’s results reveal that due to the rapid spread of generative AI, the required skills and expected roles for data scientists are expanding. While job satisfaction shows signs of recovery, evaluations of future prospects continue to decline gradually, indicating the need for proactive responses. In addition to organizational challenges such as evaluation systems, training, and career support, structural issues like the slow adoption of job-type employment remain significant and appear to affect overall satisfaction. Moving forward, talent development aimed at transforming into value-creating professionals with AI as a foundation, along with the establishment of organizational support systems, will be crucial."

[Survey Details]

[Survey Overview]

Target: All individual members of the Data Scientists Society

Method: Online survey

Period: February 2 to March 11, 2026

Valid responses: 323

The full survey results are available at:

https://speakerdeck.com/datascientistsociety/person_research2026

About the Data Scientists Society

The Data Scientists Society works to improve the environment for data scientists by defining required knowledge and skills, conducting industry surveys, disseminating information including government relations, and offering seminars, training, and certification programs. Through community activities, the Society connects data scientists, students aspiring to enter the field, hiring companies, and educational institutions, contributing to the advancement of the industry.

As of July 2026, the Society includes 100 corporate members, 24 organizational members, and approximately 21,000 individual members.

Representative Director: Takashi Takahashi (Co-founder / Executive Advisor, BrainPad Inc.)

Headquarters: Ark Hills South Tower 16F (WeWork), 1-4-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo

Established: May 2013

https://www.datascientist.or.jp/

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*The information contained in this press release is current as of the date of announcement.