What Is a Data Visualization Engineer?

Key takeaways

Data visualization engineers turn complex data into graphics that help businesses make informed decisions, identify trends, and plan for the future.

• As a data visualization engineer, you might work in industries like aerospace, banking, information technology (IT), and business to create visual media from data in the form of infographics, charts, and graphs so that nontechnical people can understand it.

• Some of the technical and workplace skills to focus on building for this role include data analysis, graphic design, Tableau, Excel, communication, problem-solving, and adaptability. 

• You can begin your career as a data visualization engineer by earning a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, computer science, or a similar field.

Discover more about what a data visualization engineer job entails, how to get into the field, and what you might expect from a data visualization engineer's salary. If you’re ready to begin enhancing your data visualization skill set, consider enrolling in the Data Analysis and Visualization Foundations Specialization from IBM. In as little as four weeks, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about data cleansing, data storytelling, Microsoft Excel, interactive data visualization, and more.

What is a data visualization engineer?

A data visualization engineer transforms raw data and uses their design and programming knowledge to create appealing and interactive graphical representations of that data for other professionals to understand. These visual displays make it easier for others to observe patterns, identify trends, and trace correlations between the different data sets. As a data visualization engineer, you’ll be a valuable data science team member because your expertise will help your organization distill immense amounts of data into actionable steps to improve business operations.

What is data visualization?

Data visualization is the process of turning data into graphics and images, which then become a part of statistical presentations and reports. This helps to make the data easier to digest. Some examples of data visualization include pie charts, waterfall charts, maps, infographics, timelines, and bar graphs.

What does a data visualization engineer do?

Data visualization engineers use visual media, such as infographics, charts, and graphs, to translate data so nontechnical people can engage with and understand it. They do this because visual formats, like bar charts, make large data sets easier to read and comprehend. In this role, you’ll work with software to turn data sets into visual representations.

Read more: What Is Big Data Analytics? Definition, Benefits, and More

Industries that employ data visualization engineers

As a data visualization engineer, you can work across many different industries, including aerospace, banking, IT, and business. You’ll typically work within businesses that gather data for later analysis, acting as the go-between for IT and business leaders.

For example, the health care industry uses data visualization engineers to distill patient data into valuable insights and trends concerning things like chronic disease mitigation and patient health outcomes. The hospitality industry uses these engineers to support better customer experiences and increase revenue.

Data visualization engineer tasks and responsibilities

As a data visualization engineer, your main responsibility is transforming text-based data into a visual representation that other nontechnical people can use. To achieve this goal, some typical tasks and responsibilities include:

• Using software to create visualizations

• Designing data interfaces with usability and accessibility in mind

• Collaborating with other data professionals, such as analysts and scientists

• Assisting with finding trends and patterns within the data sets

Data visualization engineer skills

Data visualization engineers typically need robust skills in both data and design. This enables them to make complex data accessible for a wide range of uses. While the specific skills you might need depend on the industry you choose to work within, some general technical and workplace skills include:

Technical skills

• Data analysis

• Graphic design

• Computer programs such as Tableau, Excel, and Power BI

• Programming languages such as SQL, Python, and R

• Math and statistics

• Data analysis and modeling

Workplace skills

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Adaptability

• Interpersonal skills

Data visualization engineer salary and job outlook

Data visualization engineers, integral to the broader field of data science, have a highly promising future. Jobs for computer and information research scientists, in general, are likely to grow at a much faster-than-average rate of 20 percent through 2034 [1]. As more organizations gather data for strategic purposes, they will seek out data professionals to help support their goals. According to Glassdoor, the median total salary for data visualization engineer jobs is $113,000 [2]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

How to become a data visualization engineer

It usually takes about six years to become a data visualization engineer, with the bulk of those years focused on earning the necessary education. You’ll need to develop skills in data analysis and design. You might introduce yourself to these concepts through online courses and tutorials to familiarize yourself with the field’s requirements. It’s also often a common requirement to have experience in the form of entry-level jobs, internships, or projects.

As a data visualization engineer, you’ll have the opportunity to work across a wide range of industries, from banking to health care and more.

Education and training

To become a data visualization engineer, you’ll typically need a bachelor’s degree in data analytics, computer science, or a similar field. Some roles, particularly those beyond entry-level, might also require a master’s degree. Whatever degree you choose, it’s important to remember that mathematics and statistics are key skills for this position, so you’ll want to ensure your major involves those subjects to some degree.

Once you’ve earned the foundational education required, you might pursue an entry-level role or an internship. Personal projects and freelance opportunities also help you develop your skills and knowledge. Certifications and certificates are typically useful to further your skills or qualify yourself for advancement due to increased expertise. Power BI and Tableau are two effective choices since both are widely used tools, but it’s worth researching the options. Continue to seek out both networking and skill development, such as through conferences and workshops, to stay current with the newest techniques and tools.

Discover more about data analytics with our free resources

Subscribe to Career Chat on LinkedIn to stay current with the latest trends in your career field. Continue learning more about the field of data analytics with our other free digital resources:

• Watch on YouTube: The Future of Data Visualization: AI & Automation Trends

• Read our Career Chat issue: 7 Data Analytics Certificates to Know

• Hear from an expert: 6 Questions with a Microsoft Data Analytics Leader

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses. 

Build job-ready skills with Coursera Plus

Start 7-day free trial

• 
• 
• 
• 

Start 7-day free trial