With the rapid growth in data consumption, the demand for data analysts has increased significantly. These professionals have mastered the art of transforming complex data into valuable insights, allowing organisations to make data-driven decisions.
Many entry-level data analysts are often unsure about which job titles align with their skills and knowledge. If you are new to the industry and find yourself in this situation, you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will introduce you to 15 entry-level data analyst positions suitable for fresh graduates or individuals transitioning careers. We have further explained what skills you need, what job responsibilities to expect, and more.
So, keep reading the article to start your new journey on the right foot and make informed career choices!
15 entry-level data analyst jobs
Junior data analyst
Average salary: $78,995 per year in the US
As the name suggests, these individuals are just starting out on the data analyst position. They work under senior data analysts within a team to support projects according to their analytical abilities.
Their specific duties evolve based on a company’s unique needs and project requirements. Typically, they handle small tasks and report to their more experienced colleagues.
Junior data quality analyst
Average salary: $85,094 per year in the US
Junior data quality analysts mainly test the precision, reliability and consistency of data collected to conduct business operations. They may also clean raw data by removing errors, duplications, and anomalies. They play a crucial role in ensuring the refined data adheres to predefined standards and rules.
Entry-level operations analyst
Average salary: $56,221 per year in the US
These individuals analyse operational processes in an organisation to ensure everything works smoothly. They look for improvements in day-to-day activities and suggest solutions to enhance operational performance. They often analyse data and collaborate with teams to streamline workflows.
Data entry clerk
Average salary: $40,274 per year in the US
Data entry clerks are responsible for transferring data from different sources, such as spreadsheets, paper documents, etc., into digital format. Then, they organise the data, confirming there is no error, and store it in databases.
Some organisations may also ask them to ensure data safety and protection when dealing with sensitive information.
Data analyst intern
Average salary: $76,136 per year in the US
An internship gives recent graduates or college students unique opportunities to hone their analytical skills in a real-world setting. Showing efficiency during an internship could open doors to permanent positions within the company.
Data analyst interns perform small tasks related to data collection, storage, and evaluation according to their skills and project needs.
Entry-level cyber security analyst
Average salary: $81,907 per year in the US
They are involved in establishing an advanced and efficient security system to protect the computer networks of an organisation. They regularly perform security audits under the supervision of seniors to identify and rectify vulnerabilities within the security framework. They may also propose improvements based on their findings.
Entry-level manufacturing analyst
Average salary: $81,808 per year in the US
Manufacturing analysts primarily optimise a company’s manufacturing operations. Their core responsibility revolves around the comprehensive analysis of every facet of the manufacturing process.
They suggest improvements related to cost reduction, reduced waste production, and enhanced productivity. They typically work closely with production teams to study essential data and draw insights.
Entry-level customer support analyst
Average salary: $59,482 per year in the US
These experts use communication and problem-solving skills to effectively engage with customers. They attentively address queries and resolve complaints, ensuring a superior product experience.
Additionally, they meticulously document all interactions, report to seniors, and recommend improvements in customer support strategies.
Junior quality assurance analyst
Average salary: $78,093 per year in the US
Quality assurance (QA) analysts play a pivotal role in enhancing product quality. They gather data from various sources, like customer feedback and surveys, to ensure products meet quality standards.
They may recommend strategies for testing and improving product quality. They may also adjust quality standards in response to changing customer demands.
Entry-level healthcare data analyst
Average salary: $91,319 per year in the US
These professionals specialise in collecting, analysing, and interpreting data within the healthcare sector for various purposes.
In the research field, they extract valuable insights from research articles and provide essential information to researchers.
When working for hospitals, they analyse patient’s records, treatment outcomes, and trends in medical procedures. All in all, they assist organizations in making data-driven decisions for improved healthcare services.
Business analyst consultant
Average salary: $103,487 per year in the US
They work for businesses to analyse related data and offer solutions that meet business objectives. They study the business framework, understand its basic needs, identify areas for improvement, and design efficient, cost-effective plans.
Entry-level marketing analyst
Average salary: $70,619 per year in the US
These marketing experts play a crucial role in designing marketing strategies for businesses. They study marketing trends, consumer behaviour, and market rate-related data to provide valuable insights.
Junior business intelligence analyst
Average salary: $102,835 per year in the US
These analysts collect, process, and evaluate data to provide actionable insights that help businesses increase profit. They evaluate the company’s performance and design key business metrics to share with seniors so they can make better decisions.
Entry-level research analyst
Average salary: $70,157 per year in the US
An entry-level research analyst conducts primary and secondary research to collect data and present findings in a comprehensible way. Their findings help businesses better understand their market, competitors, and target audience.
Junior financial analyst
Average salary: $74,561 per year in the US
Junior financial analysts assist companies in budgeting, forecasting, and examining financial data to assess their performance and financial health. They use their strong quantitative skills to help them find opportunities for financial growth.
In which industries do data analysts work?
The demand for data analysts is high in various industries, showing the growing importance of data-driven decision-making. Here are some industries in which data analysts commonly work:
- Healthcare
- Finance
- Insurance
- Technology and IT
- Marketing
- E-commerce
- Education and research
What does an entry-level data analyst do?
An entry-level data analyst wears many hats. She/he may perform the following duties in a company:
- Collect data from various sources and refine it to ensure it is error-free.
- Organise and store data for further analysis.
- Use statistical tools to extract valuable information from the data.
- Use visualisation tools to create graphs and charts to present findings in an understandable format for non-technical staff.
- Prepare detailed reports for seniors and stakeholders.
- Contribute to the development of effective data collection strategies.
What are the top data analytics tools you must learn?
As a data analyst, you must be proficient in the following tools to effectively interpret data:
- Microsoft Excel
- Apache Spark
- Apache Hadoop
- QlikView
- KNIME
- SAS
- PowerBI
- Julia
- RapidMiner
- Tableau
- Google Analytics
- Splunk
What skills do aspiring data analysts must have?
Companies look for the following technical and soft skills in entry-level data analysts. Make sure you write a blend of these on your resume:
- Programming language (particularly Python, R, and SQL)
- Machine learning
- Probability and statistics
- Data cleaning
- Data visualisation
- Data warehousing
- Communication
- Problem-solving
- Critical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Collaboration
How to become a data analyst with no experience?
- Acquire essential skills: You must first learn all the necessary skills mentioned above. There are numerous online sources you can use to take your knowledge and skills to the next level.
- Get certified: You do not really need a formal degree to become a data analyst. Getting certificates like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate can be valuable to show your knowledge.
- Gain practical experience: Work on personal projects and participate in online challenges like those on Kaggle to get hands-on experience.
- Build a portfolio: Showcase your skills through a professional portfolio. Add details of the projects you have worked on to show your analytical abilities.
- Network: Use online platforms (social media groups and forums) as well as offline platforms (webinars, seminars and conferences) to connect with professionals.
- Apply for entry-level positions: Look for suitable job titles that match your skill set. Then tailor your resume to the jobs’ descriptions before applying for them.
Where can you find data analyst jobs as a beginner?
Beginners can have a difficult time finding data analyst jobs, but here are some options you must try:
Online job portals: Visit popular job portals like Indeed, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter, Kaggle, and Glassdoor daily. These sites regularly post jobs for people of all experience levels.
Networking: Connect with professionals on the Internet or through conferences and meetings to find job opportunities.
Company websites and social media profiles: Most companies announce job vacancies on their official websites and social media profiles. Check these platforms to stay abreast of the latest openings.
Social media groups: Join data analytics groups on platforms like Facebook or Reddit. These can be great places to learn about job opportunities and get career advice.
Freelancing: Freelance platforms such as Upwork, Freelancer, and PeoplePerHour provide data analysts of all experience levels an equal opportunity to find online work.
Tips for creating a resume as an entry-level data analyst
As an entry-level data analyst, you may not know how to create a professional resume that creates a good first impression. Follow these tips to design a resume that stands out:
- Choose a concise and professional format.
- Highlight your data analyst entry-level resume objectives that are to the point.
- Give your current contact information.
- Highlight your educational background, even if it is irrelevant. Mention courses if you have completed any.
- Emphasise skills and tools essential for data analysts.
- List any internships or work experience you have. Describe your responsibilities and achievements, preferably with quantifiable results.
- Use keywords from the job listing to pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Ensure there are no typos or grammatical errors in the final document.
Interview preparation for entry-level data analyst roles
Here are some steps to help you prepare well:
- Revise key data analysis concepts, tools, and skills.
- Research the company you are applying for and find out how data analysis can help it achieve its goals.
- Prepare both technical and behavioural questions.
- Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.
- Be ready to discuss anything on your resume in detail, including your educational background and work experience.
- Choose professional attire that matches the company culture.
Are there any remote entry-level data analyst jobs available?
Absolutely! Many companies offer remote work options for data analysts since their tasks primarily involve computer-based work. However, occasional visits to the company may be required for meetings and discussions.
What is the data analyst job outlook?
The job outlook for data analysts is highly positive. Various industries, including finance, health, insurance, and technology, are digitalising their work, requiring more and more data analysts to make data-driven decisions.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the demand for occupational research analysts (entry-level data analysts come under this category) is expected to increase by 23% from 2022 to 2032.
What is the entry-level data analyst salary?
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an entry-level data analyst in the US is around $67,485 per year. Know that all the salaries mentioned in this article can vary depending on your location, skill level, company size, and other similar factors.
Summary
The field of entry-level data analysis presents a wealth of opportunities, showing its growing demand in today’s data-driven world. If you keep working on your skill set, knowledge and practical experience, you will find yourself in a strong position in the job market.
There are many job titles that entry-level data analysts can apply for according to their interests, likes, and skills. Whether your interest lies in the health sector, finance, or any other industry, know that there is a place for you in almost every field.
This flexibility not only improves your job options but also offers diverse pathways for career development, ensuring that your role as a data analyst remains both challenging and rewarding.