Data analyst

What does a data analyst do?

• Gather data from databases, spreadsheets, surveys and business systems.
• Clean and check data so that errors and gaps do not distort the results.
• Write SQL queries and use spreadsheets or programming to analyse data.
• Build dashboards and reports that managers can use without technical help.
• Spot trends, problems and opportunities and explain what they mean.
• Answer questions from colleagues and suggest ways to measure progress.

Where do they work?

Data analysts work in almost every sector, including retail, banking, insurance, healthcare, marketing, logistics, telecommunications, charities and government. Some work in a central data team, while others sit in a department such as finance, sales or human resources. Consultancies and outsourcing firms also employ analysts to work on client projects. The job is mostly done at a computer in an office or at home, and hybrid working is common.

What skills do you need?

• SQL and relational databases
• Advanced spreadsheet skills
• Data visualisation and dashboard tools
• Basic statistics
• Python or R for analysis
• Attention to detail
• Clear writing and presentation
• Understanding of business goals

Official skills profile (ESCO)

Essential skills listed for this occupation in ESCO, the European Commission's multilingual classification of skills and occupations.

• establish data processes
• integrate ICT data
• apply statistical analysis techniques
• manage data
• define data quality criteria
• collect ICT data
• perform data cleansing
• normalise data
• execute analytical mathematical calculations
• interpret current data
• handle data samples
• perform data mining

Essential knowledge: information categorisation · resource description framework query language · visual presentation techniques · data quality assessment · information extraction · statistics · business intelligence · information structure

How do you become a data analyst?

A degree in mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science, business or another subject that uses numbers is a common starting point. However, many employers focus on skills rather than a specific degree. You should be comfortable with spreadsheets, SQL and at least one data visualisation tool, and ideally know some Python or R. Career changers often move in from finance, marketing, operations or research roles, where they already work with data. A small portfolio of analysis projects using public data sets helps you show your skills, because interviews often include a practical test.

1. University degree. A degree in data science, mathematics, statistics, economics, computer science or business gives you the numerical and analytical base that employers want. Graduate schemes in large companies and the public sector often recruit analysts from a wide range of subjects, as long as you can show strong numerical skills.
2. Apprenticeship or vocational training. In countries with apprenticeship systems, such as the UK and Germany, you can train as a data analyst while working and earning. Vocational colleges and professional training providers in many other countries also offer data analysis diplomas and certificates with practical projects.
3. Short courses and internal moves. Many analysts start in another job and move into data work by taking online courses in SQL, statistics and visualisation. Moving internally is often easier than applying from outside, because you already understand the organisation's data. Certificates alone rarely guarantee a job, so practical projects are important.

Degrees that lead to this career

• Data science

  A data science degree teaches how to collect, clean, analyse and learn from data, combining statistics, programming and machine learning with knowledge of real-world problems.

  6 linked careers

• Mathematics

  A mathematics degree develops advanced reasoning and problem-solving through pure mathematics, such as algebra and analysis, and applied areas, such as statistics, modelling and computing.

  6 linked careers

• Economics

  An economics degree studies how people, businesses and governments make choices with limited resources, and how markets, money and policy affect jobs, prices and growth.

  6 linked careers

• Computer science

  A computer science degree teaches how software, data and computer systems work, from programming and algorithms to networks and artificial intelligence.

  9 linked careers

• Business management

  A business management degree teaches how organisations are run, including strategy, marketing, finance, people management and operations.

  6 linked careers

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Do you need a licence to work as a data analyst?

Data analysis is not a regulated profession, and you do not need a licence to work as a data analyst. You must follow data protection and privacy laws, which vary between countries, and some sectors such as healthcare and banking have extra rules on how data can be used. Certifications from software providers and professional bodies are optional, but they can help beginners show their skills.

How much does a data analyst earn?

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish a separate pay estimate that matches this occupation, so we do not show one.

Earnings of Professionals around the world

Most countries do not publish pay for single job titles. The International Labour Organization collects median monthly earnings for broad occupation groups instead. This career belongs to ISCO-08 major group 2, "Professionals". The table covers the whole group, which includes data analyst and many other occupations.

Source: ILOSTAT, median monthly earnings of employees, latest year available. PPP$ adjusts for price differences between countries so figures can be compared. "vs all employees" compares the group's median with the median for all occupations in the same country.

Career progression

1. Junior or graduate data analyst
2. Data analyst
3. Senior data analyst
4. Lead analyst or analytics manager
5. Head of analytics or data scientist

Job outlook

Organisations in every sector rely on data to plan and measure their work, which keeps demand for analysts broad. AI tools can now write queries, summarise data and build simple charts, so routine reporting is likely to need fewer people. Analysts who understand the business, ask good questions, check results critically and explain them clearly should remain valuable. Many people use the role as a stepping stone to data science, data engineering or management.

Questions about becoming a data analyst

Can I become a data analyst without a degree?

Yes, in many countries. Employers often care more about practical skills in SQL, spreadsheets and visualisation than about a specific degree, and some offer apprenticeships. However, many job adverts still ask for a degree, so without one you usually need a strong portfolio, relevant work experience or an internal move.

What skills do you need to be a data analyst?

The core skills are SQL, advanced spreadsheets, a data visualisation tool and basic statistics, and Python or R is increasingly expected. Equally important are attention to detail, curiosity and the ability to explain your findings to people who are not data specialists.

Is data analysis a good career for career changers?

It is one of the more accessible routes into technology. The basic tools can be learned in months, and many roles value knowledge of a sector such as finance, health or retail. Competition for entry-level jobs can be strong, so combining new data skills with your existing industry experience is often the best approach.

Will AI replace data analysts?

AI tools already automate parts of the job, such as writing queries and producing standard reports. They still make mistakes and cannot judge which questions matter to a business. Analysts who can frame problems, check data quality and turn results into decisions are likely to stay in demand, but entry-level work is changing.

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• Data scientist

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Sources

1. ILOSTAT — Median monthly earnings of employees by occupation — ISCO-08 major groups, latest year per country
2. European Commission — ESCO occupation profile — ESCO code 2511.2

How to cite this page: CourseToJob (2026). How to become a data analyst: degrees, skills and salary. https://coursetojob.com/careers/data-analyst/ (accessed September 26, 2026)

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