The Day-to-Day as a Data Analyst
A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, processing, and analyzing data. They usually translate these numbers into actionable insights that help their employer make better business decisions. Data Analysts can work in many industries, including retail, tech, medicine, and government agencies. With such broad opportunities, the day-to-day life of each Data Analyst varies. A Data Analyst’s daily work involves gathering data, organizing it, inferring useful conclusions from that data, and then communicating it to stakeholders or clients.
Most Data Analysts work on a team to make data understandable through reports, pattern recognition, team collaboration, and data infrastructure setup. Data Analysts may specialize in analyzing data within the realms of business, research, or finance.
What Skills Should Data Analysts Have?
Data Analysts need strong analytical and communication skills. They should be proficient in Microsoft Excel, Access, and Sharepoint, as well as SQL. Some Data Analyst positions may require programming with R or Python and the use of mathematics. Data Analysts must be team players, good at pattern recognition, detail-oriented, and passionate problem-solvers.
It is essential for Data Analysts to dial in their soft skills. These skills depend on whether their employer is a large organization, where they will communicate their findings to upper-level management and C-level positions; the medical field, where they will work with doctors and writers to create reports; or a startup, where they will communicate directly with a team of founders. Some Data Analysts may only communicate directly with a small group of clients. These communications will essentially be educating the person(s) receiving the analyzed data.
Learn the Skills You Need to Become a Data Analyst
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Python
Python is an interpreted, object-oriented, high-level programming language with dynamic semantics. It is used to write scripts, automations, algorithms, manipulate data, and create frameworks. Python prioritizes simplicity, easy to learn syntax, readability, and versatility.
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SQL
SQL stands for Structured Query Language. It is a computer language used to store, manipulate, and retrieve data which is stored in a relational database.
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Excel
Excel is a spreadsheet developed by Microsoft that runs on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It is used for calculation, graphing, data visualization, and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA) macro programming.
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Data Analytics
Data analytics uses analysis techniques to infer conclusions about raw data. Algorithms and machine learning have optimized data analysis over time to find trends and answer questions more efficiently.
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Tableau
Tableau is a data visualization tool. This tool can be used to simplify raw data, reformat data, and perform efficient data analysis. Tableau can also be used to create data visualizations, dashboards, presentations, and worksheets.
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Power BI
Power BI is a Microsoft business analytics services. It provides interactive visualizations, business intelligence, and simple interfacing for report and dashboard creation.
Data Analyst Salaries
A Data Analyst in the United States makes, on average, $83,048 annually, according to Indeed.com.
Salaries for Data Analysts vary by region within the the United States. Listed below are some Data Analyst salaries for specific areas with the United States compared with the average national salary:
- U.S. Average $83K source n/a
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Houston, TX
$101K
source
+21.76%
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New York City
$95K
source
+14.64%
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Washington, D.C.
$94K
source
+14.23%
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Los Angeles, CA
$93K
source
+12.92%
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Alexandria, VA
$85K
source
+2.94%
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Orange County, CA
$83K
source
+0.8%
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Dallas, TX
$83K
source
+0.46%
- U.S. Average $83K source n/a
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Chicago, IL
$78K
source
-5.57%
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Fairfax, VA
$76K
source
-7.56%
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Miami, FL
$66K
source
-20.46%
Typical Qualifications to Become a Data Analyst
You do not need a higher education degree to become a Data Analyst, but some Data Analysts have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or data science. Some Data Analysts get their start in academia during a graduate or Ph. D. program. Regardless of education, it is more important for Data Analysts to demonstrate proficiency in skills and thought processes than to have a degree.
Searching for Data Analyst Jobs
Data Analysts can work in a wide variety of environments, including corporate companies, retail conglomerates, medicine, academia, start-ups, or government entities. They can find jobs in nearly any industry, making predictions, solving problems, and presenting data in a consumable way.
You can find Data Analyst jobs on the following sites:
- Indeed
- Google Jobs
- Glassdoor
- AngelList
- Dice
- Authentic Jobs
- Mashable
- Stack Overflow
- Startupers
- StartupHire
- AI-Jobs
- Amazon Jobs
- Analytics Jobs
- Data Elixir
- DataJobs
- Hired
- USAJobs
- ZipRecruiter
Tips to Become a Data Analyst
Along with a polished résumé, a Data Analyst should have a well-rounded portfolio that showcases their thought process and technical knowledge. A good portfolio might include case studies that use real-world data, manipulated into reports and inferences, alongside the thought processes that led you there. Posting these portfolio examples on a cleanly designed blog is common practice, allowing potential employers to view your work.
Data Analysts should also utilize LinkedIn to its fullest potential. Your LinkedIn profile should be up-to-date, include all past work experience, and feature keywords related to Data Analyst skills and responsibilities. It should also demonstrate how your past experiences offer transferable value to your role as a Data Analyst.
To get a leg up, try to connect with a point of contact and include a letter of introduction at each company you apply to, whether you applied via LinkedIn or not. This will provide you with name recognition and, at times, first-hand advice. You should also make these connections with people who might be your manager at any company you would like to work for, regardless of whether they have posted job openings.
What Job Titles Would a Data Analyst Hold?
Data Analysts can apply for a variety of positions that may be narrowed down based on industry, location, company size, and interest in specializing. Data Analysts will likely start out in junior or entry-level positions but will find that rising through the ranks to a Senior Data Analyst is possible relatively quickly and will result in a better annual salary. Here are a few options you might be qualified for as a Data Analyst:
- Junior Data Analyst
- Senior Data Analyst
- Big Data Analytics Consultant
- Data Science Instructor
- Decision Analyst
- Data Analyst
Additional Data Analyst Resources
- Data Analyst Job Description
- What Software Do Data Analysts Use?
- Best Cities for Data Analysts
- Is Data Analytics a Good Career?
- Is Data Analytics Right For Me?
- What Degree Do You Need to Become a Data Analyst?
- Data Analyst Career Path
- Data Analyst Certifications
- How to Become a Data Analyst Without a Degree in 2025
- How to Become a Freelance Data Analyst in 2025
- How to Become a Data Analyst in 3 Months
- Data Analyst Interview Questions
- Data Analyst Resume Guide & Tips
- Data Analyst Cover Letter
- Data Analyst Job Search Tips & Best Practices
- Data Analyst LinkedIn Profile Guide & Tips
- Where and How to Secure Data Analyst Freelance Jobs
- Data Analyst Portfolio Website Guide & Tips
- Data Analyst Job Outlook
- What Classes to Take to Become a Data Analyst
- How to Become a Data Analyst At Home
Related Careers
Many people confuse Data Scientists and Data Analysts. They both work with data, and the biggest difference between the two is what they do with the data. Data Analysts identify trends and create visualizations of those patterns. Data Scientists also interpret data, but they also have coding and mathematical expertise. They can do the work of a Data Analyst but usually work on algorithms, predictive models, and creating processes for data. A Data Analyst can upskill to a Data Scientist position by learning more about the mathematical and algorithmic requirements of the role. Data Science positions pay more than Data Analyst positions but often require a four-year degree in mathematics or computer science.
Data Analysts might find related careers such as Business Analyst, Business Intelligence Analyst, Financial Analyst, Data Scientist, or Product Analyst. Most of these positions pay similar to or slightly higher salaries than a Data Analyst and have similar day-to-day operations but require additional technologies and industry knowledge. Some ways to upskill into these positions would include learning financial theories, business theories, the product lifecycle, and design thinking.
If you’re a Data Analyst, you might find that pivoting toward business or financial analysis enticing. This would involve more communication with upper-level management and C-level positions, making more predictions, using math as much as technology, and understanding business principles. These positions might provide more satisfaction, as the results of your work can be seen relatively quickly.
Salary Comparison to Data Analyst
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Data Scientist
$127K
+53.69%
-
Business Analyst
$86K
+3.73%
-
Digital Analyst
$84K
+1.64%
- Data Analyst $83K n/a
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Data Scientist
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$127K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$114K / year
Data Scientists collect, organize, and analyze large sets of data, providing analysis that is key to decision-making. Governments, non-profits, and businesses of all types rely on data for forecasting, risk management, and resource allocation. Data Scientists discover and analyze trends in data and report their findings to stakeholders. They use algorithms and models to simplify and mine datasets, creating data-driven recommendations. Data Scientists are needed across a variety of industries, especially with the ubiquity of data and its critical role in business decision-making.
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Business Analyst
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$86K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$83K / year
Business Analysts use business, technology, and project management skills to analyze business problems and propose data-driven solutions. Grounded in technical expertise, Business Analysts perform risk analyses, manage project plans, and translate technical information such as diagrams and blueprints. Experienced Business Analysts can become Business or Project Managers, which puts their professional expertise to work with the management of project deliverables and other people. Business Analysts can put their skills to work across a variety of industries, companies, and job functions.
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Digital Analyst
Indeed.com Avg. Salary
$84K / year
Glassdoor Avg. Salary
$74K / year
Digital Analysts work with a marketing team to analyze the effectiveness and reach of digital marketing campaigns. They use Google Analytics and site tagging tools to harvest user data. This data is analyzed and interpreted to provide insights into how to improve the user experience and the effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns.