In our half-year update, Hays found that data analysts remain among the top three in-demand tech roles for employers in 2024. This doesn’t come as a surprise – organisations across all industries rely on analysts for insights, so it’s a role that’s often near the top of employers’ hiring lists. 

However, the skillset required to succeed as an analyst sets it apart from other popular tech roles. In this blog, we’ll explore what data analysts do in an organisation, the places they can expect to work, what the salary is and how to become one. 

Search for data analyst jobs here. 

What do data analysts do? 

A data analyst’s role is to provide insights or answer questions for stakeholders within the organisation. Using their technical expertise, as well as core soft skills, they’re able to present their insights to members of the wider business, who use these recommendations to inform decisions. 

How does an analyst do this? A big part of this is identifying the right information that will deliver relevant insights. This data is then aggregated and analysed before being used to deliver an easily digestible report. Visualisation is key here - analysts must interpret the data and build a picture or narrative that will help decision makers.  

Which skills do you need to be a data analyst? 

Technical skills for a data analyst 

One of the biggest differences between data analysis and the other most in-demand tech roles is the greater dependence on technical skills. A data analyst needs to be useful in using several platforms and programs to effectively find the right insights. 

• Strong maths and statistics skills: A lot of your work will be with numbers. You’ll need to be able to use these to derive insights and be confident in checking your work. After all, you’ll have to back up your analysis!
• Data aggregation: Being able to complete the process with efficiency makes things easier not only for yourself, but other stakeholders too. Being able to locate and condense the right data will help you to spot trends and communicate them effectively. Which leads us to...
• Knowledge of relevant tools and software:  Power BI, Excel and SQL will all help you to aggregate data, though it may not be strictly necessary for every role. It’s also good to get to grips with Tableau, a popular data visualisation tool. Nonetheless, it’s worth having some background knowledge.
• Proficiency in programming languages: Python and R are two common languages used for handling large amounts of data, as well as the visualisation process. Each comes with its own strengths and weaknesses – find out more here. In other instances, SQL is also useful for working with certain databases.

Soft skills for a data analyst 

At the same time, soft skills are very important, particularly due to the number of relationships across the organisation. An important part of the data analyst role is liaising with the tech side (to identify the data and get access to it), as well as the business (to understand requirements). It may surprise you to learn that these transferable skills are highly regarded in tech, so don’t ignore them. 

• Communication: You’ll need to work with different teams and convey your analysis to senior stakeholders. To do this effectively, you’ll have to explain ideas in different ways.
• Storytelling: The role involved taking data and providing insights. This is easier when you create a narrative that people from a non-technical background will understand.
• Attention to detail: This is very important for spotting trends and realising why any anomalies might be present.

Where is there demand for data analysts? 

As I mentioned above, this is one of the most in-demand tech roles worldwide, which means that data analyst jobs are available almost everywhere. 

For example, commercial organisations will need somebody to look at sales data and make sense of customer behaviour, which can then influence how products are launched and marketed in future.  

However, it’s also a role that many employers recruit for on a temporary basis. Organisations today prefer to scale their business with greater flexibility, and we’re saying that data analysts are among the roles involved. I would only recommend becoming an IT contractor once you have several years of experience in the position – for the time being, you should try to acquire one of the permanent vacancies. 

What’s a typical data analyst salary? 

As with all tech roles, there can be some variation in data analyst pay. However, using Hays’ regularly updated Salary Guides, we’re able to get a clearer picture. For example, a data analyst income in Germany can reach €60,000 in some parts. 

In the UK, an analyst can expect to earn up to £60,000 in a permanent role. However, they typically could command £475 in some parts as a contractor, which works out as £9,500 per month! 

We can also see the difference in a data analyst salary between a permanent and contractor role in Australia. In some parts of the country, a permanent employee earns $120,000 AUD on average. Meanwhile, a contractor in the same area could typically earn $700 AUD daily as a data analyst, or up to $1,000 AUD in a more senior position. 

How can I become a data analyst? 

The demand for analysts globally is there, as well as good compensation. So, how do you get your first data analyst job? 

1. Start by learning to code in the relevant languages. There are free online courses that will teach you how to write in Python and R. 
2. Practise using the tools mentioned above and develop your proficiency. Microsoft Excel is widely accessible and Power BI is also available – you’ll be able to find tutorial guides and videos very quickly. Use AI tools such as ChatGPT to supplement your learning. 
3. If you’re able to afford them, find a data analyst course that suits your ambitions. These will give you a more well-rounded education and an introduction to what the role entails. 
4. If you’re already in employment, an effective route to the role will be to move internally within your current organisation. Discuss any opportunities with your manager that can help you make the transition, as well as relevant learning resources. 
5. Find a mentor who can educate you on the role. This could be a colleague, a LinkedIn connection or someone with whom you interact regularly on a relevant forum. 

Sound interesting? Browse our data analyst jobs here.