Data Analyst Jobs Overview
Business decisions made on a whim can be risky, and in many cases, disastrous. Instead of guessing or using intuition, company executives and CEOs rely on accurate data compiled by data analysts to make the best possible strategic decisions. Data analysts (also called operations research analysts) usually work with financial data, trends, patterns, and demographics to help companies make informed choices about how to operate their businesses. Data analyst jobs are open to job seekers with a college degree, mathematics skills, and a knowledge of databases.
As a data analyst, you'll play a vital role in helping businesses solve problems with revenue, staffing, marketing, and security. Some day-to-day tasks you may perform include analyzing data, identifying risks, determining the root causes of problems, and consulting with company leadership. You may work for a corporation, small business, financial institution, government agency, or healthcare facility. Best of all, there are endless job opportunities in data analysis. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25% increase in new data analyst jobs in the U.S. within the next decade.
Want to know about other jobs you may qualify for? Expand your search of business operations jobs by considering these positions:
Data Analyst Education and Skills
Most entry-level data analyst positions require at least a bachelor's degree with coursework in business, statistics, mathematics, computer science, engineering, economics, and finance. Some employers prefer candidates who also have a master's degree in a related field.
When hiring data analysts, employers look for these key skills and qualities:
- Mathematical skills.
- Knowledge of databases such as MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, and IBM DB2.
- The ability to analyze and interpret data.
- Critical thinking and analytical skills.
- The ability to identify and solve problems.
- Communication and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to present findings in memos, reports, and other documents.
If you want to know more about what skills and qualifications employers expect you to have, see Monster's data analyst job description sample.
Update Your Data Analyst Resume
You may have the skills and qualifications to land a data analyst job. But those don't mean much unless you can communicate them to potential employers in a resume. It's worth taking the time to review your resume and ensure that it's up to date before applying. We can help you to analyze your resume for any gaps or deficiencies—simply compare you resume to our data analyst resume sample to find what you might have missed.
To get your resume looked at, you'll need to include a cover letter to briefly introduce yourself and pitch your skills to employers. If you've never written a cover letter before, we can help. Read through our collection of cover letter samples and writing best practices to find out how to write a cover letter that will make you a top candidate.
Interviewing for a Data Analyst Job
The interview process for a data analyst job can be rigorous. Employers want to know that they're hiring someone they can trust with sensitive data—while getting the job done. You can prepare for your interview ahead of time by reading through Monster's list of questions that come up time and again in job interviews along with suggestions for crafting responses.
How Much Do Data Analyst Jobs Pay?
Want to know if you'll rake in the dollars in your career? It all depends on your level of experience, location, and job title. For example, general data analysts in the U.S. earn an average of $79,291 per year. Senior data analysts earn roughly $92,071 per year and data analysts who work in marketing earn about $82,108. You can find out where to start your salary negotiations by entering your job title and location into Monster's Salary Tool.
Want to Learn More About a Company You're Interested In?
Our goal at Monster is helping you find a job with a company that's a good fit. Want to know more about a company before applying for a job? Search company details on Monster and get basic information, such as the location of the company's headquarters, its size, a list of recent jobs, and company benefits.
Get Your Profile in Monster's Database to Find the Job That's Right for You
Are you ready to start digging into Monster's data analyst jobs? Set up your free profile and upload your resume so recruiters can easily find you. We also offer free custom job alerts, career advice, and much more.