What Does a Data Analyst Do?
Data analysts collect, clean, and interpret data to help organisations make informed decisions. From building dashboards to identifying trends, their work sits at the intersection of business strategy and technical skill. You'll find data analysts in virtually every sector — finance, healthcare, retail, government, and technology.
Key Responsibilities
- Collecting and cleaning raw datasets from multiple sources
- Running statistical analyses to identify patterns and outliers
- Building reports and visualisations in tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Excel
- Communicating findings to non-technical stakeholders
- Collaborating with data engineers and business teams to define KPIs
Qualifications & Education
There is no single mandatory qualification, but most employers look for a combination of the following:
- A relevant degree — Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, or Business Analytics are common starting points. However, many successful analysts come from unrelated fields.
- Technical certifications — Google's Data Analytics Certificate, Microsoft's Power BI Data Analyst Associate, or IBM's Data Science Professional Certificate are widely recognised.
- Portfolio projects — Real-world projects hosted on GitHub or presented as case studies matter more than credentials at many companies.
Essential Skills
| Technical Skills | Soft Skills |
|---|---|
| SQL (querying databases) | Critical thinking |
| Python or R (data manipulation) | Clear communication |
| Excel / Google Sheets (advanced) | Attention to detail |
| Data visualisation tools (Tableau, Power BI) | Problem-solving |
| Statistics & probability basics | Curiosity and initiative |
Career Progression
The data analyst career ladder typically looks like this:
- Junior Data Analyst — Entry-level role focusing on data cleaning and basic reporting
- Data Analyst — Independently scopes and executes analysis projects
- Senior Data Analyst — Mentors juniors, leads complex projects, influences strategy
- Analytics Manager / Lead — Oversees a team of analysts and aligns work with business goals
- Data Scientist or BI Manager — Common specialisation paths from senior analyst roles
Salary Expectations
Salaries vary considerably by location, sector, and experience. Entry-level data analysts in the UK typically earn between £25,000 and £35,000. Mid-level analysts in London or major tech hubs can command £45,000–£65,000. Senior analysts and leads often exceed £70,000, particularly in finance or technology companies.
In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies data-related roles among the fastest-growing occupations, with median pay for analysts well above the national median wage.
How to Get Started
If you're starting from scratch, focus on these steps:
- Learn SQL — it's the single most requested skill in analyst job postings.
- Take a structured Python or Excel course to build data manipulation skills.
- Complete 2–3 portfolio projects using publicly available datasets (e.g., from Kaggle or data.gov).
- Earn one recognised certification to signal commitment to employers.
- Apply for junior roles or internships, even outside your ideal sector, to gain real-world experience.
Data analysis is a highly transferable career — once you have the core skills, moving between industries becomes relatively straightforward, making it one of the most versatile professional paths available today.