Good news for data warehouse analysts, and those aspiring to start a career in the field: They're in demand. Their role is critical to a company’s ability to make sound business decisions.
A data warehouse analyst collects, analyzes, mines and helps the business leverage the information stored in data warehouses.
Professionals in this role research and recommend technology solutions related to data storage, reporting, importing and other business concerns; they also define the user interfaces for managing the interaction between data warehouses and data marts.
A data warehouse analyst is often expected to collaborate with business intelligence analysts and developers to translate data requirements into logical data models.
“Technology professionals considering this career should feel comfortable translating between what current technology can do and what the business needs for the future are, says Ryan Shaughnessy, Director of Strategic Accounts at Robert Half. “Understanding data needs for key business functions such as finance and forecasting, sales, marketing, manufacturing, planning and risk assessment is also essential.”
You can find the latest salary projections for a data warehouse analyst in the Robert Half Salary Guide. You can also search for specific salary information for your location.
Job requirements for a data warehousing career
Below are the most commonly sought qualifications for a data warehouse analyst:
- Excellent research, analysis and problem-solving skills
- A bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field
- Extensive knowledge of relational database theory
- Three to five years of work experience in database systems
- Experience with data modeling and architecture
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Strong listening skills (important for communicating to technical and nontechnical team members)
How to get a data warehouse job
If lack of experience is an issue, certain certifications can help you stand out to potential employers. As mentioned earlier, a professional certification in a database application such as Microsoft SQL Server or Oracle is a valuable commodity.
Shaughnessy explains that candidates for data warehouse analyst roles need to learn reporting tools — especially SQL, if possible — and work towards getting certified. “A CDMP (Certified Data Management Professional) certification is a big plus,” he notes.
For those looking to break into the field, Shaughnessy' advice is straightforward: “Do everything possible to get your foot in the door. If you can’t find a permanent position immediately, pursuing an internship is another route.”
Once a candidate has the necessary skills and experience, opportunities should follow, according to Shaughnessy. “The warehouse analyst possesses a specialized skill set, and there’s a strong market for those skills,” he says.
Look to Robert Half's latest Salary Guide for job descriptions and starting compensation trends for a wide range of IT jobs — including data warehouse analyst.
