Resource Center > Tech Salaries > Data Analytics Salary: How Much Do Data Analysts Make?
Lexie Knibbs - December 29, 2020
As technology is rapidly advancing, data analysts have become increasingly coveted and desired by businesses all over the United States. With proper skills and years of experience, data analysts can have a high earning potential and can find great success in the technology industry.
This article will explore what it means to be a data analyst, the steps you can take to enter into the field of data science, the types of careers you can have in the data scientist field, and the average salary range depending on your level of experience.
What Is a Data Analyst?
Companies all over the world store the data from consumers who interact with their company or their product in some way. Data scientists analyze and translate the business data for companies so that they can make effective business decisions. Data analysts can analyze market research, sales figures, logistics, and more. They take a mathematical approach to computer science, focusing on statistical and quantitative analyses to analyze and interpret a company’s data.
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Data scientists work to better understand consumers by using statistical analyses and models to evaluate social trends found in the data collection, ultimately helping a company make the proper financial decisions.
How Do You Become a Data Analyst?
Data science has become a popular career field for those interested in the tech industry, but what kind of education do you need to make it?
Bachelor’s Degree in Data Analysis
Most entry-level careers require knowledge in mathematics, statistics, and advanced coding before accepting a job as a data analyst. One route to obtaining this is through a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as math or computer science.
While you can choose this route, it can be very expensive and take many years before you have the qualifications to be hired in data science. Luckily, there are now options where you can qualify for an entry-level job in data science with less than a year of training.
Data Science Bootcamps
Data science and coding bootcamps allow you to take intensive and specialized classes only focused on skills needed for the tech industry, without having to take all of the extra classes that a four-year college requires. Bootcamps allow you to become a master in the tech field, and are an essential resource for your transition into the industry.
An increasing number of students are choosing to pursue bootcamps instead of bachelor’s degrees, with a total of 33,000 students enrolled and graduating from coding bootcamps in 2019, and is still growing rapidly. Bootcamps are also more convenient for students, typically only lasting three to nine months rather than the typical four years for a bachelor’s degree.
What Kind of Job Would You Have as a Data Analyst?
There are job openings all over the country, and many different types of career paths for someone who is interested in data science.
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts take a look at a company’s finances and consumer data to make recommendations about future financial ventures. They can make predictions of the future of projects and new deals by creating financial models. Their goal is to manage all of the company’s assets, keep track of all financial transactions, and increase revenue for the company.
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst’s job is to understand and track what it is that consumers like and are willing to purchase. They work for companies and analyze their market data to track consumer trends, and then subsequently translate this data so it is understandable and usable. They help companies learn what it is that consumers want and how much they are willing to pay for these services or products. They can use mathematics and statistical models to predict sales trends and measure how effective their marketing campaigns are.
Social Media Data Analyst
Social media analysts work to increase a company’s social media presence. By using marketing tactics and statistical data analysis, social media analysts can increase online traffic to their social media and websites and gain brand exposure. They can use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and coding strategies to build an online presence. Similar to market research analysts, they will track the market and social media trends and analyze the consumer data associated with their social media accounts.
Web Analyst
Web analysts work on a web development team where they use coding and computer programs to create and design websites for a company to maximize efficiency for the consumer. They work with data analysis, database management, data integrity, and web server security. They have to manage a budget while simultaneously monitoring and updating all computer software and technologies. The goal is to have an efficient and appealing website while still minimizing spending and maximizing profits.
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Big Data Analyst
Big data is an extremely large and highly complex set of data that is impossible to interpret and process using traditional data analysis methods. Because data platforms have greatly advanced, companies can collect data from many different sources with high velocity. This large amount of data can be used to analyze many different aspects of a company’s business and their interactions with their consumers to maximize profits and efficiency.
Big data analysts use high-powered analytics to find the causes of problems, reduce cost, reduce time, and optimize new products.
How Much Does a Data Analyst Make?
Entry-level data analyst
Entry-level data analysts are employees who are hired without prior, or with less experience and skill level to be considered seniors. They usually have less than five years of experience and are still learning and mastering the techniques of data science.
Although they are just starting out, entry-level data scientists make an impressive salary. According to Glassdoor, an entry-level data analyst’s salary is $105,000 a year on average in the United States.
Senior Data Analyst
A senior-level data analyst is someone who has at least five years of experience and has an advanced degree in a related field, such as computer science, mathematics, or statistics. Because they have more experience and are considered to be masters in their field, they are in much higher demand and make a far more competitive salary.
Your salary will depend on your experience and where you live within the United States. On average, a senior data analyst makes $134,000 a year , but this salary can go upwards of $200,000 a year.
Why You Should Become a Data Analyst
Data science has become an essential part of businesses all over the world. As technology advances, data analyst’s salaries are also increasing. Data science is constantly evolving and growing, and there are many different career paths to choose from—including becoming a financial analyst, market research analyst, social media analyst, web analyst, or a Big Data analyst.
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Lexie Knibbs
About the author: Lexie was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and specializes in media communication and technical writing. She has a passion for media technology and the future of the ever-evolving tech industry. When she’s not at work you can find her going for a jog along the California coast, baking in the kitchen, or snuggled up reading a good book.
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FAQs
How much are you making as a data analyst? ›
According to ZipRecruiter, the average data analyst salary is $70,357. The median annual salary of the 10th percentile is $34,500, while the 90th percentile can earn as much as $106,500 per year.
Is a data analyst well paid? ›What is an average data analyst's salary? The average base pay for a data analyst in the United States in December 2022 is $63,865, according to job listing site Glassdoor [1].
Whats the most a data analyst can make? ›Data analysts in the US get paid well. According to payscale, an entry-level data analyst earns close to $44,000 annually. As your work experience increases, you will receive a higher salary. Salaries can go up to $86,000 annually.
Is Data Analytics a stressful job? ›Several data professionals have defined data analytics as a stressful career. So, if you are someone planning on taking up data analytics and science as a career, it is high time that you rethink and make an informed decision.
Is Data Analyst hard? ›Data analysis is neither a “hard” nor “soft” skill but is instead a process that involves a combination of both. Some of the technical skills that a data analyst must know include programming languages like Python, database tools like Excel, and data visualization tools like Tableau.
How can a data analyst make 6 figures? ›...
Master of Science in Data Science
- Business.
- Education.
- Finance.
- Healthcare.
- Insurance.
- Manufacturing.
- Marketing.
- Music.
You might start out as a data analyst before advancing to senior-level analyst, analytics manager, director of analytics, or even chief data officer (CDO). If you're interested in pursuing this path, you'll want to focus on developing your leadership skills alongside your data skills.
Do data analysts need to code? ›Do Data Analysts Code? Some Data Analysts do have to code as part of their day-to-day work, but coding skills are not typically required for jobs in data analysis.
Can a data analyst make 100k? ›Candidates with advanced skills or at least three years of work experience on their resume can earn an average salary of over $100,000 per year.
Which field is best for data analyst? ›Possible majors for data analysts
Data science: In response to the increasing demand for data professionals, more and more schools are offering bachelor's degrees in data science. In this degree program, you'll typically take courses in computer science, statistics, and mathematics.
Is becoming a data analyst worth it? ›
Skilled data analysts are some of the most sought-after professionals in the world. Because the demand is so strong, and the supply of people who can truly do this job well is so limited, data analysts command huge salaries and excellent perks, even at the entry-level.
What do data analysts do all day? ›A data analyst reviews data to identify key insights into a business's customers and ways the data can be used to solve problems. They also communicate this information to company leadership and other stakeholders.
How many hours do data analysts work? ›Generally speaking, Data Analysts can expect to work between 40 and 60 hours a week, typically on a Monday through Friday schedule, which would correspond with the hours the business or company is open. This often means a 9-5 or 8-6 day.
Are data analyst happy? ›According to Payscale reviews from 3,118 respondents, data analysts report a job satisfaction rating of 3.75 out of five.
Can I be a data analyst if I hate math? ›One popular question that we always get asked is: “Dr. Lau, can I become a data scientist or data analyst if I am not good with math or statistics?” Well, Dr. Lau's reply is always yes you can.
Is data analytics math heavy? ›While data analysts need to be good with numbers, and a foundational knowledge of Math and Statistics can be helpful, much of data analysis is just following a set of logical steps. As such, people can succeed in this domain without much mathematical knowledge.
Can I become data analyst in 3 months? ›Can I become data analyst in 3 months? Ans: Make the most of your three months and learn everything you can. Because time is limited, the emphasis should be on learning Excel, SQL, R/ Python, Tableau/ PowerBI, and ML if time allows. Investing your time in projects will also give you an advantage when applying for jobs.
How much do junior data analysts make? ›How much does a Junior Data Analyst make? The average Junior Data Analyst salary is $56,900 as of October 27, 2022, but the salary range typically falls between $50,001 and $65,447.
Is data analyst high demand? ›The Data analyst job market is predicted to grow by 23% between now and 2031 according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics—and companies are prepared to pay extremely competitive salaries.
Can you make 7 figures as a data scientist? ›Data Scientists or any scientist for that matter has this stigma of being a back-office/lab employee who does not see the light of day. This is true for the most part but now Data Scientists are taking home a pretty paycheck in the realm of seven figures.
Will data analyst be replaced? ›
Human data analysts will continue to exist as long as other humans are the ultimate customers of their work. Data analysts will become managers of AI 'workers,' utilizing the AI's algorithms to dig through data and even find answers to queries that were never asked.
What skills should data analyst have? ›- SQL. Structured Query Language, or SQL, is the standard language used to communicate with databases. ...
- Statistical programming. ...
- Machine learning. ...
- Probability and statistics. ...
- Data management. ...
- Statistical visualization. ...
- Econometrics.
So, to answer the question: Data analysts are very much in demand in 2022, and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. Great news for anyone considering a career change!
Do data analysts do math? ›As with any scientific career, data analysts require a strong grounding in mathematics to succeed. It may be necessary to review and, if necessary, improve your math skills before learning how to become a data analyst. Check out the list below for a few key areas of study!
Do data analysts need to know Excel? ›Data Jobs that Use Excel
Any position with the word "analyst" at the end of it requires Excel! That includes Data Analyst, Business Analyst, Business Operations Analyst, and Reporting Analyst.
You don't need a full-blown degree to become a data analyst, but you do need a structured and formal approach to learning the necessary skills. The best (and most flexible) way to do so is through a project-based course.
Is it worth becoming a data analyst? ›Skilled data analysts are some of the most sought-after professionals in the world. Because the demand is so strong, and the supply of people who can truly do this job well is so limited, data analysts command huge salaries and excellent perks, even at the entry-level.
Is Data Analytics a good career in 2022? ›Transitioning to a career in data analytics can mean stable employment in a high-paying industry once you have the right skills. Each year, there is more demand for data analysts and scientists than there are people with the right skills to fill those roles [1].
Is data analyst have good career? ›Yes, data analytics is a good career choice as data has become a significant part of any industry to make strategic and informed decisions. This increases the demand for data analyst thereby making it one of the best career choices.
How many hours a week does a data analyst work? ›Generally speaking, Data Analysts can expect to work between 40 and 60 hours a week, typically on a Monday through Friday schedule, which would correspond with the hours the business or company is open. This often means a 9-5 or 8-6 day.
What's next after data analyst? ›
You might start out as a data analyst before advancing to senior-level analyst, analytics manager, director of analytics, or even chief data officer (CDO). If you're interested in pursuing this path, you'll want to focus on developing your leadership skills alongside your data skills.
Will data analysts be replaced by AI? ›While many analysts may fear they will be replaced by automation and AI, CEO of Yellowfin, Glen Rabie, believes that the role of the data analyst will increase in significance to the business and breadth of skills required.
Does data analyst need coding? ›Do Data Analysts Code? Some Data Analysts do have to code as part of their day-to-day work, but coding skills are not typically required for jobs in data analysis.
Which skill is best for data analyst? ›- R.
- Python.
- SQL and NoSQL.
- Machine Learning.
- Linear Algebra and Calculus.
- Microsoft Excel.
- Critical Thinking.
- Communication.
For a truly independent work environment, consider a career as a data analyst. It's one of the best jobs for introverts, and there are new openings being posted every day on job search forums. Related high-paying career to consider that's also ideal for introverts: business intelligence.