Data Scientist (ANZSCO 224115): the new 2022 code, and why it isn't an ICT code

Data Scientist, ANZSCO 224115

Data Scientist is ANZSCO code 224115, skill level 1. The ABS describes the role as applying analytical techniques and scientific procedures to large datasets — creating advanced algorithms and data models, and building and deploying machine-learning frameworks to produce information for strategic planning and decision-making. Skill level 1 means the work is typically at degree level or higher.

Find the full occupation detail at Data Scientist (224115).

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A 2022 code: it did not exist before

Data Scientist is new in the ANZSCO 2022 revision. In the older ANZSCO 2013 structure there was no Data Scientist code at all — the closest entry was Statistician (224113), and data-science work was scattered across statistician, analyst, and programmer codes. The 2022 revision split it out as its own code, 224115, alongside its sibling Data Analyst (224114).

That placement matters. Data Scientist sits in Major Group 2 (Professionals) → Minor Group 224 Information and Organisation Professionals → Unit Group 2241 Mathematical Science Professionals. It is not in the ICT programmer family (Unit Group 2613, Software and Applications Programmers). A lot of applicants map “data scientist” onto an ICT 2613 code like Analyst Programmer (261311) or Software Engineer (261313) because the day-to-day involves code. For migration, that is usually the wrong move: the 2613 codes route to a different assessing authority and can sit on different lists than 224115. The 6-digit code, not the fact that you write Python, is what the system reads.

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Who assesses it

To use this code for a skills assessment in Australia, you need the assessing authority that covers 224115. That authority is not confirmed in this record. The Data Scientist (224115) occupation page carries the current authority name and a direct link to apply. Check that page before you start an assessment application, because authorities and their scope change — and because the authority for 224115 is not necessarily the one that would assess a 2613 ICT code.

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Which lists it sits on

Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL). Data Scientist is on the CSOL, the list maintained by the Australian Department of Home Affairs for the Skills in Demand (subclass 482) Core Skills stream and the ENS subclass 186 Direct Entry pathway. The current skill occupation list shows which visa subclasses each list supports. List membership is reviewed and can change, so check the live page before relying on it.

Occupation Shortage List. In the most recent Jobs and Skills Australia Occupation Shortage List, 224115 is rated no shortage nationally. Note the distinction: CSOL membership opens a skilled-migration pathway, while the shortage rating is a separate, point-in-time labour-market read. The two are related but not the same — being on the CSOL does not require a shortage rating, and vice versa. The current rating is shown on the occupation page.

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Near-miss codes to check

Four codes are easy to confuse with Data Scientist:

• Data Analyst (224114): the sibling code. The line is roughly analysis-and-reporting against existing data (Data Analyst) versus building the algorithms and machine-learning models that generate new predictive capability (Data Scientist).
• Statistician (224116): designs and applies statistical methodology. Overlaps heavily, but the emphasis is statistical theory and survey design rather than algorithm and model engineering.
• Analyst Programmer (261311): an ICT 2613 code. The focus is analysing and building software to a specification — a programming role, not a data-science one. This is the most common mis-map.
• ICT Business Analyst (261111): bridges business needs and technology. Chosen wrongly when the actual work is modelling data rather than specifying systems.

If your role sits across these boundaries, the right code is the one that matches where most of your time goes. The exact 6-digit code matters more than the job title on your contract.

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Find your code

Browse all ANZSCO 2022 occupations at /en/anzsco/2022/. If you are unsure whether your background reads as Data Scientist, Data Analyst, or one of the ICT codes, the CV matcher at app.anzscofinder.com matches your CV to the closest codes and shows its working.

For advice on which visa to apply for, speak to a registered migration agent. We find codes and show sources. We do not give migration advice.