The demand for data analytics skills is soaring in almost all fields and industries as data continues to grow in both volume and importance for businesses.

This probably will create new fresh opportunities for professionals looking to break into the field of big data, even without years of experience.

Today, we’ll explore the entry-level data analytics job market in the upcoming years and try to provide an overview of where those new to data analytics find roles and what salaries they can expect.

Entry-Level Data Analytics Jobs

Entry-level data analytics positions allow fresh graduates and career changers to gain that critical first experience in data-driven roles. While specific duties vary, common entry-level jobs may include:

• Junior data analyst: These beginner analysts support more experienced team members in analyzing and interpreting data. They may assist with preparing reports and visualizations. Strong Excel and SQL skills are praised heavily by these professionals.
• Business intelligence (BI) analyst: Entry-level BI analysts help gather, structure, and perform basic analysis of data to extract business insights. They work closely with end business users to collect and analyze beneficial data.
• Data analyst associate: These analysts utilize programming languages like Python to mine, clean, and analyze datasets. They develop metrics and contribute to modeling efforts.
• Marketing analyst: Entry-level marketing analysts apply analytics techniques to customer, sales, or marketing data. They support segmentation, targeting, and campaign analysis.
• Operations analyst: These analysts develop performance dashboards and data visualizations to identify process improvements. In this case, SQL, Excel, and data storytelling skills are valued a lot.
• Data technician: Data technicians organize, maintain, and quality-check data sources. They document processes and may assist with basic analytics tasks.

Where to Find Entry-Level Data Analytics Jobs?

Where are the hottest markets for data analytics career beginners in the United States? Here are prime locations to launch your analytics career:

• New York City: The massive finance, media, healthcare, and tech industries drive demand for entry-level data talent in New York. Top employers include JPMorgan Chase, Nielsen, and IBM.
• San Francisco: Tech giants, such as Google and Facebook, frequently hire junior data professionals in San Francisco. The startup ecosystem provides ample opportunities.
• Seattle: Home to Microsoft and Amazon, Seattle has a booming analytics scene. Mayo Clinic and T-Mobile also recruit beginners.
• Chicago: The city’s prominent banking and insurance presence brings entry-level data jobs. Kraft Heinz, United Airlines, and other large corporates are major employers.
• Virginia: Home to many thriving startups, Virginia is starting to dominate the map with its weight in the data analytics scene.  
• Boston: High-tech and top universities feed demand for junior data analysts.
• Austin: Tech, healthcare, finance, and startups drive data analytics hiring in Austin.
• Washington D.C: The proximity to government and a thriving startup environment creates plentiful entry-level opportunities.

Salaries for Entry-Level Data Analytics Jobs

While salaries vary based on industry, location, and company, typical national salary ranges for entry-level data analytics roles are:

• Data Analyst: 60,000 – 75,000 US dollars
• Business Intelligence Analyst: 55,000 – 70,000 US dollars
• Marketing Analyst: 50,000 – 65,000 US dollars
• Operations Analyst: 45,000 – 60,000 US dollars
• Data Technician: 40,000 – 55,000 US dollars

Higher salaries are prevalent in major tech hubs like the Bay Area. However, lower costs of living in up-and-coming cities like Austin still allow for attractive real earnings. Experience level, technical skills, and project portfolio also impact salary potential as well.

Salaries for Senior-Level Data Analytics Jobs

For comparison, what income can skilled data analytics professionals earn? Here are typical national salary ranges for senior-level roles:

• Senior Data Scientist: 135,000 – 180,000 US dollars
• Data Engineering Manager: 150,000 – 200,000 US dollars
• Analytics Director: 175,000 – 250,000 US dollars
• Chief Data Officer: 200,000 US dollars or even more

Furthermore, senior professionals at top firms in Silicon Valley and New York City can make over 300,000 US dollars. But even in smaller markets, veteran data experts out-earn entry-level counterparts by wide margins.

Entry Level vs Senior Level Data Analysts

While starting salaries may seem modest for junior roles, data skills become more lucrative as experience is gained. Compared to entry-level analysts, senior data scientists and managers take on more impactful, strategic projects and oversee teams and corporate data systems.

Their specialized technical expertise and data storytelling abilities command higher compensation. However, all journeys must start somewhere.

Entry-level positions allow professionals to build foundational analytics skills in SQL, Python, machine learning, and visualization while contributing to impactful business insights.

With proven abilities, promotions and pay increase quickly as time passes. All you need to do is take data analytics seriously and start your journey in one of the most promising fields in tech.

Final Thought

Businesses across industries will rely more heavily on data, which further fuels job availability for analytics beginners in top metros nationwide.

While starting salaries for entry-level data analysts, BI specialists, and data technicians may pale in comparison to experienced roles, they offer the perfect runway to gain skills and launch your analytics career.

In as little as 2-3 years, you can transform into a highly paid data expert. Start with widening your network and expanding your knowledge base.

Denarjes frequently hires data analysts and provides data analytics services for businesses of all sizes. You can contact us directly to explore the perfect way to help you manage and maintain your data.

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