{"id":3450,"date":"2023-09-13T15:32:35","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T14:32:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/?p=3450"},"modified":"2024-07-22T10:30:49","modified_gmt":"2024-07-22T09:30:49","slug":"data-analyst-career-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joblookup.com\/explore\/data-analyst-career-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Data Analyst Career Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Data analysis might sound somewhat vague and mysterious, but it is actually a very specific career path well suited to people who enjoy working with research and maths. A career in data analysis involves gathering, handling, analysing, modelling and interpreting data and using it to predict potential outcomes and make business decisions. In this career guide, we\u2019ll look at two job roles in data analysis: data analyst and statistician.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Potential Roles in Data Analysis<\/h2>\n
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Data analysts and statisticians must have a good head for numbers and enjoy the principles and practicalities of handling data. This work is well suited to logical thinkers who like methods and systems. There are roles at different entry points – from administrative support jobs<\/a>, like data entry, to highly technical and specialised roles.<\/p>\n

Data analysts<\/strong> analyse and organise data obtained through research to observe trends and identify the reasons behind these trends. They often work alongside statisticians, and together, their work can guide company decisions. Data analyst jobs<\/a> exist in many different sectors, including finance, commerce, retail, marketing, business consulting and data assurance, so you can choose to specialise in an area that you find interesting.<\/p>\n

Statisticians<\/strong> use the information obtained through data analysis to model outcomes, predict events (like customer behaviours and market demand) and assess risk. A statistician’s job<\/a> involves identifying research needs, planning and managing research, analysing results and making recommendations to their employer. They typically work in a team alongside data analysts and other specialists. Statisticians work in various industries and sectors, including national and local government, market research, sport, finance, health and education.<\/p>\n

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Salary and Career Progression<\/h2>\n
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There is good scope for career progression in the data analysis field. Employees can gain experience and undertake further training to advance in their area and earn higher salaries.
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\nData analysts<\/strong> can expect to start at around \u00a325,000 in the UK and $50,000 in the US, with salaries rising upwards of \u00a360,000 and $110,000, respectively. Data analysts can progress in their careers by working for more prestigious companies or working on large, visible projects for governments. Self-employment is also an option, and independent consultants can typically demand higher levels of pay than their employed counterparts.<\/p>\n

Statisticians<\/strong> can earn a lucrative income, but the pay can vary between sectors. You can usually make more money working in the private sector, for example, in pharmaceuticals or business consulting, than in public sector and government roles. Pay starts at around \u00a323,000 to \u00a326,000, rising to \u00a360,000 and more. In the US, statisticians can expect to earn around $950,000 a year on average.<\/p>\n

Career progression is possible by moving into more senior managerial roles, specialising in a higher-paying area, or even by training in AI and moving into data science. You can also become a Chartered Statistician (CStat) with the Royal Statistical Society once you have five or more years of experience in a relevant role. With Chartered status, you can secure prestigious work projects and higher salaries.<\/p>\n

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Qualifications, Education and Experience<\/h2>\n
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Data analysts<\/strong> can benefit from a university education, although a degree is not compulsory. The following can be useful for a career in data analysis:<\/p>\n