What I *actually* do as a data analyst | salary, job, harsh reality

Introduction

As someone with over 10 years of experience as a data analyst and other related roles—including data analytics manager and business intelligence engineer—I want to provide a realistic picture of what a data analyst does. Let’s dive in.

What Is a Data Analyst?

A data analyst is someone who gathers data, studies it, and makes decisions based on their analysis. For example, when buying a car, you compare prices, assess features, and evaluate leasing vs. purchasing options. After reviewing all data points, you make an informed decision. This process embodies the essence of a data analyst's work—they evaluate various data sets and make decisions that can significantly impact business outcomes.

There are different types of data analysts, including business analysts, financial analysts, and healthcare analysts. While they all perform data analysis, their domains differentiate them. For instance, a financial analyst focuses on financial reports, while a business analyst centers around business decisions. Some roles may require more technical expertise than others.

My Role as a Data Analyst

My responsibilities as a data analyst blend aspects of business analysis and data engineering. Like a business analyst, I collaborate closely with the business to identify metrics that impact our objectives. Similar to a data engineer, I’m involved in ingesting data and constructing data pipelines. Finally, like a data analyst, I analyze the data and present my findings.

The roles of data analyst, data engineer, and data scientist have substantial overlap. If you’re curious about the distinctions among these roles, feel free to ask in the comments.

The Workflow of a Data Analyst

A data analyst’s workflow typically follows three main steps: identifying the problem, accessing the data, and reporting findings.

Identifying the Problem: This step acts as a blueprint for the analysis. The problem statement directs the analysis and outlines what needs solving. For example, determining "the best car to buy" contrasts with analyzing "the most affordable car," necessitating different datasets.
Accessing the Data: In a workplace setting, analysts often work with stakeholders who present business challenges. I document the problem and proposed solutions in a design document, ensuring alignment among all parties involved before proceeding.
Reporting Findings: Once the data is prepared, I analyze it and present my findings using visualization tools, Excel reports, or data solutions. Effective communication, feedback, and documentation are crucial throughout this process to ensure clarity and accuracy in future reviews.

Team Dynamics

A data analyst can work independently or as part of a team. Having been in both situations, I prefer collaborating on a larger team. Working alone can feel isolating and may hinder idea exchange. A team environment provides opportunities for learning and growth.

The Reality of Being a Data Analyst

Social media often glamorizes the life of a data analyst, emphasizing remote work and six-figure salaries in tech. However, the job comes with challenges, including dealing with unrealistic stakeholder expectations. Late requests for reports or last-minute inquiries can disrupt your work-life balance. Often, this leads to responding to numerous questions throughout the day, making it difficult to focus on core responsibilities.

Why Am I a Data Analyst?

Despite the challenges, I remain in this field for two primary reasons:

Work-Life Balance: Compared to my previous consulting roles, I experience a healthier balance allowing time for personal pursuits like hobbies and social outings.
Competitive Salary: Data analysts typically earn attractive salaries, often ranging from $ 150,000 to $ 250,000 in tech environments.

Should You Be a Data Analyst?

Many people can become data analysts, as technical skills are learnable. However, soft skills—such as effective communication, influence, and collaboration—are equally important. While technical abilities may get your foot in the door, soft skills often pave the way for promotions and career advancement.

Conclusion: If you see yourself in a data analyst role after considering the pros and cons outlined here, you'll likely find this path rewarding.

If you’d like to know how I would become a data analyst from scratch, be sure to check out my next video.

Keywords

Data Analyst
Business Analyst
Financial Analyst
Data Engineering
Work-Life Balance
Salary
Problem Solving
Stakeholder Management
Reporting

FAQ

Q1: What does a data analyst do?
A: A data analyst gathers data, studies it, and makes informed decisions to solve business problems.

Q2: What is the workflow of a data analyst?
A: The typical workflow includes identifying the problem, accessing the data, and reporting findings.

Q3: What skills do you need to be a data analyst?
A: Technical skills such as data analysis tools and programming languages, along with soft skills like communication and stakeholder management, are essential.

Q4: Is the salary of a data analyst good?
A: Yes, data analysts can earn competitive salaries, often between $ 150,000 and $ 250,000, particularly in tech roles.

Q5: Should I work in a team or alone as a data analyst?
A: Many professionals prefer being part of a larger team for collaboration and learning opportunities, but the best choice may depend on personal preferences and work style.