Launch your career as a data analyst
Interested in a data analyst career with a higher-than-average salary? Find out what data analysts do and how to become one.
What does a data analyst do?
Data analysts collect, use, present, and manage data to help business leaders make data-driven decisions. They may work in management, analysis, or consulting roles or specialize in an industry like finance, healthcare, or machine learning. Data analysts may also hold other titles, such as data scientist or business analyst.
Data analysts apply skills in statistics, math, coding, and data analysis to
- Determine the appropriate data to use to develop models.
- Collect, group, analyze, and manage data.
- Create, validate, and update algorithms.
These professionals also need soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication to identify the business challenge they're trying to tackle and relay insights and recommendations to key stakeholders.
How much do data analysts earn?
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Your path to becoming a data analyst
For career starters
Interested in becoming a data analyst? Find out what you need to get started.
- Explore data analytics with beginner-friendly courses in data analytics, data visualization, computer programming, and math fundamentals.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in data analytics, which is typically the minimum requirement for data analyst positions.
- Create data projects with publicly available data to strengthen your skills and build a portfolio to showcase them.
- Gain experience through volunteer work with nonprofit organizations, internships, or entry-level positions.
For career starters
Interested in becoming a data analyst? Find out what you need to get started.
- Explore data analytics with beginner-friendly courses in data analytics, data visualization, computer programming, and math fundamentals.
- Earn a bachelor's degree in data analytics, which is typically the minimum requirement for data analyst positions.
- Create data projects with publicly available data to strengthen your skills and build a portfolio to showcase them.
- Gain experience through volunteer work with nonprofit organizations, internships, or entry-level positions.
Programs that can prepare you for a data analyst role
What do you need to work as a data analyst?
| Essential skillsets: | Educational requirements: | Licenses/Certifications: Do I need one? |
|---|---|---|
| At least a bachelor's degree in data analytics, statistics, computer science, business, or a related field. Some roles may require a master's degree. | No, data analysts do not need a license, but employers may prefer prior experience or certification. |
Data analysis industry insights
The BLS projects 35% job growth for data scientists between 2025 and 2035, or the addition of more than 95,400 new jobs in that time.
Organizations increasingly rely on data to make everyday decisions, contributing to their growing need for data analysts who can collect, organize, and analyze this information. More than ever, business leaders look to these professionals to make informed decisions and enhance their processes.
| Industries you could work in | Common job titles | Professional associations |
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Top-paying industries for data analysts
| Industry | Median Annual Salary (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| Publishing, broadcasting, and content providers | $142,240 |
| Computer systems design and related services | $132,380 |
| Credit intermediation and related activities | $129,490 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | $128,050 |
| Insurance carriers and related activities | $108,650 |
Data analyst career track
Most data analyst roles require at least a bachelor's degree in data analysis, statistics, business, or a related field. Senior roles may require a master's degree. Data analysts need skills such as:
- Coding
- Statistical analysis
- Data analysis
- Data visualization and storytelling
- Communication
Many entry-level roles focus on supporting more senior-level analysts in collecting, cleaning, managing, analyzing, and presenting data. As you gain experience, your responsibilities will increase and may include:
- Leading a team of data analysts.
- Determining data strategy.
- Overseeing data management, collection, and tools.
- Designing data analysis and reporting tools.
Early career 1–4 years | Mid career 5–10 years | Late career 11–15 years | C-suite 15+ years |
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