Data Analyst: Job Duties, Skills and Salary 2025

What You’ll Learn About Data Analysts

What Does a Data Analyst Do?
Key Duties & Responsibilities
How to Become a Data Analyst
Data Analyst Salary Guide
How to Advance Your Career
Typical Work Environment

What Does a Data Analyst do?

A Data Analyst is a professional who specializes in collecting, processing, and performing statistical analyses on large datasets. They help organizations make more informed decisions by identifying trends, testing hypotheses, and evaluating the effectiveness of business strategies.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

Data Analysts in the IT & Development field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:

Collect data from primary or secondary sources and maintain databases/data systems.
Identify, analyze, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets.
Develop and implement databases, data analytics, and other strategies that optimize statistical efficiency and quality.
Use statistical tools to interpret data sets, focusing on trends and patterns.
Create reports of findings, illustrate data with graphs, and translate complex results into clear texts.
Work with management to prioritize business and information needs.

How to Become a Data Analyst

Launching a career as a Data Analyst requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.

Qualification

Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Management, Economics, or related field.
Experience with databases (SQL etc.), programming (XML, Javascript, ETL frameworks), and statistical packages (Excel, SPSS, SAS etc.).
Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
Adept at queries, report writing, and presenting findings.
Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and projects.

Requirements & Skills

Advanced ability to manipulate and analyze large datasets.
Willingness to keep up with industry trends and training in advanced data analysis techniques.
High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
Strong critical thinking skills to evaluate complex data.
Ability to work effectively within a team setting.

Data Analyst Salary Guide

Wondering what Data Analysts earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.

Job	Branch	Avg. US Salary
Data Analyst	IT & Development	86,725 USD

The average salary for a Data Analyst in the U.S. is approximately $86,725 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. Data Analysts may receive a wide range of benefits.

Data Analyst Salary Career Steps

Level	Experience	Avg. Salary per Year
Veteran	20+ years	$108,406
Senior	11+ years	$95,398
Experienced	6-10 years	$86,725
Mid Level	3-5 years	$78,053
Entry Level	0-2 years	$65,044

To explore more detailed salary information, including specific salary estimates in your country, visit the Data Analyst Salary Country Overview.

How to Advance Your Career

Data Analysts can advance to Senior Data Analyst roles, become Data Scientists, or specialize in particular data analytics areas such as business intelligence, data engineering, or big data.

Typical Work Environment

Data Analysts typically work in an office environment and may spend long hours sitting and using office equipment and computers. They are often part of a larger team but need to be able to work independently.