Data Analyst

What does a data analyst do?

A data analysts' job is to gather and interpret data on behalf of the business. These insights are crucial for driving business growth and making informed decisions. By examining data sets, data analysts identify patterns, trends and correlations that can be leveraged to optimise operations, improve strategies and enhance overall performance. A data analyst will collaborate with various departments to understand their specific needs and tailor their analysis accordingly. They will then present their findings in clear and concise reports, often using data visualisation techniques to communicate complex information effectively. The nature of the data sets, reporting styles and trends analysed can vary significantly depending on the industry and specific role. Data analysts can specialise in various fields, such as product analysis, pricing analysis, performance analysis and more.

Data analyst job description and responsibilities

A data analyst’s daily responsibilities focus on gathering, analysing, and interpreting data to provide valuable business insights. Company leaders make strategic decisions based on the findings they present. Data analysts may report to a Data Manager or Director of Analytics; however, their reporting line can vary depending on the specific organisation and the nature of the analysis.

Daily duties include:

Data collection and cleaning: Gathering data from various sources and ensuring its accuracy and consistency

Data analysis: Applying statistical techniques to extract meaningful information from the data

Data visualisation: Creating visual representations of data, such as charts and graphs, to facilitate understanding

Report generation: Developing clear and concise reports to communicate findings to stakeholders

Stakeholder collaboration: Working closely with senior leadership teams and/or cross-functional teams to understand their needs and provide tailored analysis

Data Analyst Skills and Qualifications

Technical skills:

Proficiency in SQL for data retrieval and manipulation

Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and visualisation

Familiarity with data visualisation tools like Tableau, PowerBI, or Qlik

Understanding of statistical concepts and techniques

Soft skills:

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Attention to detail

Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams

Education:

A degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, economics, or a related field

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Salary for Data Analyst

32750 - 56750

25th percentile

32750

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th percentile

48250

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th percentile

56750

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills, and may have specialised qualifications.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th percentile

50th percentile

75th percentile

Chief Data Officer (CDO)

88250

110250

132500

Head of Data and Analytics

65500

75750

85000

Business Intelligence Manager

50000

66500

77000

Data Governance/Enablement Manager

47500

65000

72250

Data Scientist

56250

65250

81000

Data Engineer

56000

65250

77750

Database/Business Intelligence Developer

47750

55750

69500

Database Manager

53250

59750

65000

Database Administrator

40000

47250

54000

Business Intelligence Analyst

32500

42500

56500

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Our starting salary projections come from a detailed, multistep process that ensures our numbers accurately reflect the marketplace. They’re based on real compensation data for job seekers our recruiters have matched with companies across the country, in addition to 350,000 third-party vacancies data from Textkernel for independent validation.

The Salary Guide From Robert Half is the original. We’ve been publishing salary forecasts since 1950, and our guide has served as a trusted source for employers, job seekers, industry associations, government and educational institutions, and national and local media.