4 Data Analyst Career Paths: Your Guide to Leveling Up. Getting a job as a data analyst is the first step towards a larger data career. What then happens after you become a data analyst? Let’s take a closer look at four common Data Analyst career paths you can take once you get started in this field of high demand.
Getting Started: Entry-level Data Analyst Jobs
If you’re new to the data analysis field, most probably, your first job might be the role of a junior analyst. If you have gained some experience with transferable analytical skills from your previous job, you may probably be hired as a data analyst.
First off, it is only normal to acquire some core data skills before applying for that first job. Skills like this include SQL, R or Python, data management, statistical analysis, and data visualization.
Leveling up: Four Career Paths for a Data Analyst
As you gain an averagely good experience as a data analyst, you may encounter opportunities to advance your career in various divergent directions. Depending on what you want, you may progress into data science, management, consulting, or a more specialized data role.
Below are Four Possible Career Paths to Take in the World of Data
Data scientist
So many data scientists beginning the journey as data analysts. To make this transition, you must;
- Advance your programming skills
- Learn more advanced mathematics
- Developed an understanding of machine learning
Many data scientists possess a degree in data science, computer science, or any related field. Although, it may not be strictly necessary to have a degree, having one can give you more edge in having job opportunities.
Management
One other common career path for data analysts is to move into management positions. You may start out as a data analyst and then advance to the senior-level analyst, analytics manager, director of analytics, or even chief data officer (CDO).
If you’re interested in pursuing this career path, you should focus on developing your leadership skills together with your data skills. In most companies, a master’s degree in data analytics or business administration with a focus on data analytics will be required to attain these higher-level positions.
Specialist
As a data analyst, you can work in any industry. Sometimes, your career path might require your specialization in such industries. Under this category, there are so many career choices like;
- Business analysts
- Financial analysts
- Operations analysts
- Marketing analysts
- Systems analysts
- Health care analysts
Consultant
This career choice is associated with several years of experience. To benefit more, you can choose to work as a freelancer for various clients rather than working directly with one client.
How Much Can You Make? Data Analyst Salaries by Role
Below, we have compiled a list of the average base pay for different data analyst positions in the US in 2019 according to glassdoor.
- Junior analyst: $53,417
- Data analyst: $69,517
- Senior data analyst: $96,809
- Analytics manager: $121,232
- Director of analytics: $147,147
- Chief data officer (CDO): $189,480
- Data scientist: $117,212
- Business analyst: $77,218
- Financial analyst: $73,725
- Operations analyst: $61,457
- Marketing analyst: $67,319
- Systems analyst: $85,599
- Health care analyst: $74,404
- Data analyst consultant: $90,36
