Data analytics has emerged as a high-demand profession that offers six-figure salaries and doesn’t require a traditional college degree. With companies in urgent need of skilled professionals, the field is ripe with opportunities for those willing to upskill through certifications and online training.
"The demand for people who understand data and can use it to guide important business decisions is huge," says Lisa Gevelber, Vice President at Google and founder of the Grow With Google program.
Data analysts play a vital role in shaping business strategies by interpreting raw data to identify trends and create actionable insights. Using tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau, these professionals analyse metrics such as sales performance and website traffic to help companies operate more efficiently.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics in the US projects that data analytics and science jobs will grow by over 30% in the next decade—three times faster than the average job growth rate. A June 2024 Upwork report also identified data analytics as one of the most sought-after skills of the year, highlighting its pivotal role across industries, reports CNBC Make It.
While traditional degrees are often considered gateways to high-paying jobs, the data analytics field is bucking the trend. Many companies now hire candidates with high school diplomas or GEDs who have completed certification programs.
Google’s data analytics certification, available for $49 per month through its Grow With Google initiative, is among the popular options. Other organisations, including IBM and CompTIA, also offer accessible training programs to prepare candidates for the role.
These certifications equip aspiring data analysts with essential skills such as coding, working with spreadsheets, and visualising data. Gevelber adds that familiarity with artificial intelligence (AI) tools can give job seekers a significant edge. "Using AI to clean and structure data or brainstorm visualizations can make you much more productive," she notes.
Entry-level data analysts earn a median salary of $93,000, while seasoned professionals take home around $110,000 annually, according to Glassdoor. Remote opportunities, particularly in industries such as manufacturing, health care, tech, and finance, can pay even more, with some roles offering up to $150,000 per year.
"The versatility of data analytics means that it doesn’t matter where you live or what industry you work in," says Gevelber.
Searches for “data analytics skills” and “data analytics jobs” on Google have hit a five-year high, underlining the growing interest in this field.
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