Does the possibility of stories in data spark your curiosity? Are you interested in a job that gives you security and room to progress? Did you ever think about data analytics but hesitate because you don’t have any technical knowledge? If you feel the same about these issues, you’re not the only one. A lot of professionals are choosing to enter data analytics because of the fast pace in the sector and the expectation for making decisions based on data.
Data Analysts Are in Higher Demand
With the rise of data in business, companies from various areas are looking for data analysts to make sense of difficult data and guide their actions. Education Week quotes the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics as saying that data scientist jobs are expected to increase by about 36% from 2023 to 2033, much more than the average for other people. What stands out most to me about data analytics is how accessible it is. While someone with a background in IT or computer science may have an advantage, it is not always necessary. People with backgrounds in marketing, education, and the arts often become successful data analysts.
Key transferable skills include:
- Analytical Thinking: The skill of understanding data and spotting patterns.
- Problem-Solving: Solving problems with the help of the data we gather.
- Communication: Effectively conveying findings to stakeholders.
- Curiosity: Wanting to explore data sources and find patterns that are not obvious.
In addition to basic skills, gathering technical knowledge is essential for succeeding in the field of data analytics.
Steps to Transition into Data Analytics
1. Acquire Essential Skills
- Start by understanding the basic skills involved in data analytics.
- Statistical Analysis: Measuring distributions, studying correlations, and determining the level of significance
- Programming Languages: Gaining knowledge in Python or R to work with data sets.
- Data Visualization: Using tools such as Tableau or Power BI to present findings from data.
- SQL: Pulling out the important information from different databases.
2. Build a Portfolio
- Go beyond theory and show what you are capable of using reality-based projects.
- Analyze publicly available datasets.
- Create dashboards toshowcase your data visualizations.
- Record the steps you follow to analyze data and the findings you get.
A strong portfolio highlights your abilities and gives future employers an idea of your commitment and self-starting attitude.
3. Network and Seek Mentorship
Get involved with others working in data analytics.
- Join forums and online groups.
- Attend webinars and workshops.
- Connect with professionals on LinkedIn.
Creating a network allows you to take on a mentoring role, get job recommendations, and learn more about the industry.
The Financial Upside: What Is the Potential for Earning as a Data Analyst?
Pursuing a career in data analytics brings satisfaction and reward to your bank account. Because the world is now heavily data-driven, companies are investing heavily in people who can analyze data to make well-informed decisions, control their expenses, provide good service to customers, and remain competitive. Because there is so much demand, tech and data workers often receive very lucrative compensation packages, especially in the United States.
The median income for data analysts in the U.S. was $86,280 per year, and the highest earners made over $160,850 annually, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In some industries, having particular abilities and living in certain places can cause these amounts to be even higher.
Breakdown by Experience Level (2025 Estimates):
Experience Level
Average Base Salary (USD)
Total Compensation (USD)
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs)
$65,000 – $75,000
Up to $90,000
Mid-Level (3–5 yrs)
$80,000 – $100,000
$100,000 – $120,000
Senior-Level (5+ yrs)
$110,000 – $135,000
$130,000 – $160,000+
Source: Robert Half Salary Guide, 2025
Industry-Wise Earning Potential:
Industries do not always pay the same. Salaries for data analysts may vary greatly depending on where they are employed.
- Tech and SaaS Companies: $90,000 – $140,000
- Finance & Insurance: $95,000 – $130,000
- Healthcare and Pharma: $85,000 – $115,000
- Retail & E-Commerce: $80,000 – $110,000
- Government & Education: $70,000 – $95,000
Experienced data analysts and scientists working for Google, Meta, Amazon, and Apple receive six-figure incomes, receive equity, bonuses, and can access wellness perks.
Location Matters Too
Remote work may be on the rise, but salary is largely affected by location if someone is employed with a business that offers hybrid or in-office work.
- San Francisco Bay Area: $110,000 – $150,000
- New York City: $100,000 – $140,000
- Austin, TX: $90,000 – $120,000
- Chicago, IL: $85,000 – $115,000
- Atlanta, GA: $80,000 – $110,000
Now that remote work is on the rise, some firms give salaries that reflect the cost of living in different locations, so workers can earn good pay from smaller or rural cities.
Specialization Can Maximize Earnings
Having a wider range of skills makes you more valuable at work. Those who gain expertise in fields like machine learning, predictive modeling, business intelligence, SQL optimization, or advanced data visualization usually rise through the ranks and earn higher paychecks.
For example:
- Using Python, SQL, Tableau, and Power BI can help a data analyst earn around 15–20% more money than someone with basic skills in Excel.
- Learning AWS, Azure, GCP, and data warehousing (Snowflake or Redshift) can help people get considered for senior roles.
Job Security and Upskilling Potential
Having a stable job is also a valuable financial benefit. Being a data analyst means you can use your skills in any industry since they are easy to transfer. Wherever you are in tech, banking, healthcare, or a non-profit, there is data all around you, making your value as a data expert less likely to drop.According to the 2024 Future of Work Report from McKinsey, data analytics is among the top jobs that will remain in demand, as thousands more data professionals are expected to be required by 2026.
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If these numbers appeal to you, amazing—you should have started yesterday, but your next best chance is right now. People who are not from an IT background are specifically selected for Fortray’s Data Analyst Program. You can still work in computer science and tech without gaining a degree in computer science.
- Beginner-friendly curriculum
- Job-ready projects
- Hands-on mentorship from industry experts
- Assistance finding and applying for a job, with help on how to present and practice for interviews
Ready to level up your career and your income? ExploreFortray’s Data Analyst Program Now.