Data Analytics Career Track

• Data analytics professionals can earn six-figure salaries.
• Graduates of data analytics programs work in various industries and professional settings.
• Jobs for data analytics professionals are projected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

Data analytics combines mathematics and computer science, creating many opportunities for professionals to enter the field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer and information technology jobs will grow by 13% between 2020-2030. The BLS also projects jobs in mathematics to expand by 28% by the end of the decade.

Joining the data analytics field offers opportunities for secure jobs and above-average salaries, with professionals often earning six-figure salaries. Aside from entry-level positions, many companies also hire advanced professionals with managerial and leadership skills to help lead data and IT teams.

Individuals interested in learning more about data analytics, common job titles for these professionals, and average earnings can find all this and more in the guide below.

What Is Data Analytics?

Data analytics involves making sense of raw data so people and companies alike can take actionable steps based on findings. Raw data can be hard to understand. But it contains valuable insights that can help shape business behaviors and strategies when broken into accessible forms.

Data analytics can use various processes and techniques to create data sets and identify trends. Data analytics can add important insight and knowledge that help businesses make informed decisions when done correctly.

What Do Data Analysts Do?

Data analysts work with big data to collect, collate, and interpret them to reveal valuable information. They also decide the best way to identify and collect data that requires interpreting and may work with survey researchers or other data collectors to create the proper systems.

After receiving the raw data, these workers clean it of any errors before analyzing it using various software and methodologies. These methods allow them to interpret the data and put it into forms that larger audiences can understand, such as graphs, charts, and tables.

Data Analytics Career Outlook

People looking for a steady, secure job with projected job growth in the coming years can find many data analytics jobs to meet their needs. Data from the BLS projects that operations research analyst positions will grow by 25% between 2020-2030, leading to the creation of more than 25,000 new jobs by 2030. These professionals earned median annual salaries of $86,200 in May 2020, with the top 10% making more than $144,330.

The BLS projects jobs for statisticians and mathematicians to grow by 33% from 2020-2030, leading to more than 15,000 new positions by 2030. These workers made yearly median salaries of $93,290 in May 2020. The top 10% of statisticians made $150,840 during the same year.

Data Analytics Career Paths

As more and more individuals, companies, and governmental agencies come to rely on big data, the need for qualified data analytics professionals will continue growing. Graduates of online data analytics programs can select from several career paths to meet their needs for salary, upward mobility, and work-life balance.

Data Analyst

Data analysts create systems to collect large amounts of data. They then tidy the raw data, organize it according to required data points, and interpret those data points to draw insightful conclusions.

According to March 2022 Payscale information, data analysts earn a yearly average salary of $62,790, with annual bonuses of up to $10,000. Entry-level roles require bachelor's degrees in data management, computer science, or statistics. Advanced positions may require a graduate degree.

Data Scientist

Data scientists' responsibilities resemble those of data analysts in that they use their understanding of analytics, statistics, and data programming to work with big data and translate it into usable information. Unlike data analysts, these professionals go one step further and develop solutions to business challenges. In addition, they develop new questions that data analysts find answers to.

Payscale reports that data scientists earn average base salaries of $97,250 as of March 2022. Entry-level positions usually require applicants to hold a bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, or a related field. More advanced positions require a master's degree.

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine learning engineers possess advanced knowledge of artificial intelligence. They develop self-running software that can help automate predictive models based on big data findings. For instance, they can program systems such as search recommendations, chatbots, and virtual assistance with predictive algorithms using consumer findings from established data sets.

Payscale reports that machine learning engineers earn average base salaries of $112,270 as of March 2022. While some base-level roles may accept applicants with bachelor's degrees in computer science or artificial intelligence, most positions look for those with master's degrees.

Data Architect

Data architects work on the industry's data collection and maintenance, creating secure databases based on client needs and coding requirements. After designing the initial database, data architects collect and organize data and seek conclusions based on their findings.

As of March 2022, Payscale reports that data architects earn average base salaries of $123,050, with bonuses between $2,000-$29,000 per year. Most workers hold a bachelor's degree in computer engineering, computer science, or a similar topic.

Business Intelligence Analyst

Also known as business intelligence directors, these professionals oversee the data collection and analysis activities of the companies that employ them. In addition to determining important data points, they also liaise between the IT employees they supervise and upper managers to ensure needs are understood and met.

As of March 2022, Payscale reports that business intelligence directors receive average yearly salaries of $127,770. Graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, or business analytics can typically find entry-level positions. But advanced roles commonly require a master's degree.

What Kind of Skills Do Data Analysts Need?

The best data analysts have a robust portfolio of skills to address complicated data sets and produce results under less-than-ideal circumstances. We look at four must-have skills in this section.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving plays an important role in data analysis, as working with large data sets can sometimes create issues. Data analysts who run into issues with corrupted files or unruly data must find creative solutions to address these challenges and move forward.

Attention to Detail

Despite working with incredibly large amounts of data, professionals in this industry must also be able to see and appreciate details. Failing to recognize patterns or trends within the data can result in an inability to provide meaningful insights.

Statistical Programming

Any data analyst looking to succeed must possess a strong understanding of statistics and probability. Learning R or Python programming languages can help professionals improve the data organization and analysis process and produce better outcomes.

Machine Learning

As more companies rely on AI to produce desired outcomes and predictive software, understanding how machine learning works has become required rather than optional. Learning how to code and use algorithms can take someone from a good to a great data analyst.

Is a Career in Data Analytics Worth It?

Pursuing a career in data analytics makes good sense for people who enjoy working in mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence, and database management. These jobs also appeal to people looking to earn above-average salaries and choose from various industries and clients.

While most professionals in the industry earn salaries above the national average for all occupations, some states pay even more. According to the BLS, New York paid the highest mean wage for statisticians at $127,380 in May 2021. Other top-paying states include Connecticut, Massachusetts, Wyoming, and California.

Frequently Asked Questions About Data Analytics Careers

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