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Optum Data Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Optum Data Science information

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$24K

$112K

$205.5K

How much do optum data science jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optum data science in the United States is $111,980.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $157,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optum Data Science?

An Optum Data Science job involves using data analytics, machine learning, and statistical methods to derive insights that improve healthcare outcomes and operational efficiency. Data scientists at Optum work with large datasets to identify trends, develop predictive models, and support decision-making for healthcare providers, payers, and patients. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation in areas such as patient care optimization, fraud detection, and cost reduction. Strong programming skills, domain knowledge in healthcare, and expertise in data modeling are typically required for this role.

What types of projects do data scientists at Optum typically work on?

Data scientists at Optum commonly work on projects that involve analyzing large healthcare datasets to identify trends, improve patient outcomes, and optimize operational efficiency. This may include developing predictive models for disease risk, healthcare cost forecasting, or creating data-driven solutions to enhance clinical workflows. Team members frequently collaborate with clinicians, business analysts, and IT specialists, ensuring their work has a real-world impact on healthcare delivery. These projects often require innovative problem-solving and the ability to communicate insights to cross-functional teams, making the work both challenging and rewarding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Optum Data Science position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optum Data Science professional, a strong background in statistics, machine learning, data analysis, and a degree in a quantitative field such as computer science or mathematics are essential. Experience with programming languages like Python or R, data visualization tools, and familiarity with big data platforms (e.g., Hadoop or Spark) are commonly required, along with relevant certifications. Analytical thinking, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders are critical soft skills. These skills enable data scientists at Optum to extract meaningful insights from complex healthcare datasets and drive impactful business decisions.

More about Optum Data Science jobs

What cities are hiring for Optum Data Science jobs?

Cities with the most Optum Data Science job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Data Science jobs?

The most popular types of Optum Data Science jobs are:

What states have the most Optum Data Science jobs?

States with the most job openings for Optum Data Science jobs include:

Infographic showing various Optum Data Science job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,980 per year, or $53.8 per hour.

Principal Data Scientist - Irvine, CA - 2388090

Irvine, CA • On-site

UnitedHealth Group
Insurance Services • 10K+ employees

$226K - $315K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 9 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Principal Data Scientist - Irvine, CA - 2388090

EMPLOYER:    Optum Services Inc.

JOB TITLE:    Principal Data Scientist

LOCATION:    7 Technology Drive, Irvine, CA 92618 (Reports to Irvine, CA office and allows partial telecommuting)

DUTIES:    Initiate and drive novel method development in machine learning from first principles to deployed solutions. Duties include: Embed Artificial Intelligence in Risk Adjustment prospective and retrospective programs; Provide innovative modifications and extensions to existing deep learning and statistical learning architectures; Perform statistical inquiries into new areas and identify growth points of untapped information; Partner with Engineering, Business and Technical Product teams to meet project commitments by rapidly delivering value to customers via technology solutions; Mentor junior data scientists to successfully deliver software and business value; Improve alerts, monitors, and telemetry; Identify new means of approaching problems in the medical coding field; Design novel methods in machine learning and launch them to production; Analyze trends in medical coding and production performance of statistical models; Direct the research direction of a multidisciplinary team focused on deep learning and LLM approaches; Lead research talks and white paper reviews; and Conduct research meant to ensure alignment of models to ethical standards to ensure machine learning models perform without harm to users. Position reports to Irvine, CA office and allows for partial telecommuting.    

REQUIREMENTS:    Employer will accept a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, or related field and seven (7) years of progressive, post-baccalaureate experience in the job offered or in a related computer occupation. Position requires experience in the following: 
-7 years of experience in Machine learning and data science, including data analysis, algorithm design, model architecture specification, and implementation of machine learning algorithms; 
-7 years of experience in Programming in Python and Java, focused on libraries including PyTorch for deep learning and Pandas for data manipulation and analysis; 
-7 years of experience in Medicare Advantage Chart Review program contributing to healthcare analytics and compliance-driven data initiatives; 
-5 years of experience in Big data technologies, including Apache Hadoop, PySpark, Sqoop, Oozie, Hive, and Java-based web services for distributed data processing and workflow orchestration; 
-5 years of experience in Microsoft Azure, Databricks, including cloud-based data processing, model deployment, and scalable architecture design; 
-5 years of experience in IBM Business Rule Management System (BRMS) for rule-based decision automation and enterprise logic management; 
-5 years of experience in Visualization Tools including Tableau, Seaborn, Matplotlib Libraries; 
-5 years of experience in Database including SQL, Oracle, HIVE, and HBase; 
-3 years of experience in Managing data science teams performing deep learning architectures and scalable model development; 
-3 years of experience in Medicaid and ACA; and 
-3 years of experience in Medicare star rating and quality measures.

RATE OF PAY:  $226,500.00-$315,054.00 / per year

Please apply via careers.uhg.com and search for job #2388090

Careers with Optum. Here's the idea. We built an entire organization around one giant objective; make health care work better for everyone. So when it comes to how we use the world's large accumulation of health-related information, or guide health and lifestyle choices or manage pharmacy benefits for millions, our first goal is to leap beyond the status quo and uncover new ways to serve. Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, brings together some of the greatest minds and most advanced ideas on where health care has to go in order to reach its fullest potential. For you, that means working on high performance teams against sophisticated challenges that matter. Optum, incredible ideas in one incredible company and a singular opportunity to do your life's best work.(sm)

UnitedHealth Group offers a full range of comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental and vision, as well as matching 401k and an employee stock purchase plan.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
 


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