Data Analyst
Find patterns in data and turn them into clear answers that help businesses decide.
This UK data analyst career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £26,000 - £35,000
- Mid-career salary
- £40,000 - £60,000
- Senior salary
- £70,000 - £100,000+
- Work environment
- Office or remote, desk-based
- Time to entry
- 6 months - 2 years
- Degree required
- Helpful, not required
- Category
- Technology
What a Data Analyst does
Find patterns in data and turn them into clear answers that help businesses decide.
- Business Intelligence Analyst - Build dashboards and reports for business teams.
- Marketing Analyst - Measure campaign performance and customer behaviour.
- Product Analyst - Help product teams understand how users behave.
- Data Scientist - Build statistical and ML models to predict and explain.
How to become a Data Analyst
- Look up Data Analyst roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Data Analyst - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- SQL
- Spreadsheets
- Critical thinking
- Clear communication