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The landscape of data analysis, the highest-paying data analysts, and their salaries in the US continues to evolve. This is due to an increasing demand for professionals equipped with advanced skills and expertise.
Data analytics isn’t a single career path but a descriptor of a variety of occupations, all in a similar realm.
In this article, apart from learning about the 10 highest-paying data analyst jobs in the US, you’ll also discover the top companies that are hiring.
What is data analysis?
The process of looking at and evaluating data to come to insightful findings is known as data analysis. It entails gathering, purifying, and formatting data in order to make it more useful.
Statistical analysis, machine learning, and data mining are just a few of the tools that data analysts employ to examine data.
Who is a data analyst?
A specialist in gathering, analyzing, and running statistical analyses on huge datasets is known as a data analyst.
By offering analyses and suggestions based on their results, data analysts assist organizations in making wise decisions.
10 Highest-Paying Data Analyst Jobs in USA 2024
Here are the top 10 highest-paying data analyst jobs with their salaries in the US:
1. Data Engineer
Data engineers are responsible for identifying trends and anomalies in data sets. They develop algorithms from scratch that manipulate data for more useful insights and information.
This role requires a lot of technical knowledge in data structure and data manipulation programming languages like SQL (structured query language) and Python.
According to Payscale, entry-level data engineers start earning around $77,000 a year and increase to around $115,000 as senior data engineers. It’s one of the most desirable data analyst jobs available.
2. IT Systems Analyst
IT systems analysts—commonly known as technology analysts—are one of the highest-paying data analyst jobs in the US.
They specialize in designing, implementing, and analyzing various information systems.
You need to have a deep understanding of the various hardware and software components in devices and machines to solve any technical issues your company may face.
As for income, you should expect $60,000 as a fresh recruit and over $90,000 as a senior. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for IT systems analysts is expected to increase by around 7% over the next decade.
3. Marketing Analyst
Market research analysts are often responsible for collecting and analyzing market data using platforms like Google Analytics and BuzzSumo.
Not only does this job require experience in data science, but you also need to be good at digital marketing and data visualization.
As more companies go digital, the demand for digital marketing (and the number of data analyst jobs) will surely follow.
As an entry-level marketing analyst, you can expect an annual salary of anywhere from $50,000 to $62,000. With around a decade of experience, senior marketing analysts earn $93,000 on average.
4. Quantitative Analyst
Another highest-paying data analyst job in the US is quantitative analyst.
They apply quantitative analysis methods that center on objective measurements and numerical data, often collected through polls and surveys, to support and direct companies in making financial and critical business decisions.
This occupation not only requires a deep understanding of data science and statistical analysis but also familiarity with business management and finance.
Entry-level quantitative analysts can expect to make $50,000 to $70,000 annually. However, since the role is in high demand, you can expect to climb the ladder fairly quickly to over $150,000 for top earners.
5. Data Architect
Data architects create blueprints and designs for data management and storage systems.
While this occupation isn’t directly linked to extracting insights from data, you need to be familiar with the analysis process to build suitable data structures.‌ In other words, you may not analyze data, but you need to know the basics.
Data architecture is one of the most desirable data analytics jobs as more businesses collect and store their data.
In fact, Recruiter predicts a 15.9% increase in demand for data architects over the next few years, and the salaries reflect the need.
According to Glassdoor, the average senior data architect earns just under $130,000 a year.
6. Database Administrator
As a database administrator—also known as a database manager—you’d be responsible for monitoring and evaluating database structures and software to ensure they meet the needs of your employer.
This requires considerable knowledge of data storage, warehousing, and general structures, as well as experience in common coding languages and databases like Python, Java, MySQL, and MSSQL.
Even an entry-level database administrator should expect no less than $80,000 a year and can easily earn over $140,000 as a senior.
The relatively high salaries reflect the predicted 10% increase in database administrator employment rates.
7. Data Analyst
Data analysts often work directly with the managers and executives of companies and corporations.
You’d be regularly asked for data-backed recommendations regarding future company decisions and how they should run operations.
To become a successful data analyst, you need a keen eye for detail and the ability to identify trends and anomalies in massive data sets.
Starting out, the average entry-level data analyst earns under $45,000 but can easily grow into a six-figure income in less than 10 years.
Furthermore, according to a 2018 World Economic Forum survey, 85 percent of businesses are projected to incorporate new technologies by 2022, which will significantly increase the demand for data analysts.
8. Business Intelligence Analyst
Business analysts study and analyze the structure and design of a company or corporation, looking for ways to make work more efficient and employees more productive.‌ Business analysts are one of the highest-paying data analyst jobs in the US.
Entry-level business analysts make $67,000 on average. Senior business analysts can expect to make approximately double that, and some earn up to $130,000 a year.
Additionally, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a stable job as a business analyst. The number of available jobs increased by approximately 160% over the five years leading up to 2019.
9. Data Scientists
As a data scientist, you’ll be responsible for collecting and analyzing large data sets. You’ll often need to have a deep understanding of databases and data structures to segment them and prepare them for in-depth data analysis.
A significant portion of entry-level data scientists make around $90,000 a year, while senior scientists easily make it beyond the $130,000 mark.
10. Operations Analyst
Operations analysts focus on and analyze the internal and external processes of a business to understand how it works.
This includes understanding the company’s hierarchy, how different departments communicate and interact, and how the company—as a whole—interacts with outsourced work.
As an operations analyst, you’re likely to land a job at a large corporation instead of a small business.
As an entry-level analyst, you should expect at least a $60,000 annual salary, while a senior analyst can make just over $70,000 on average—though the top earners often make six figures.
What are the requirements and skills for data analyst jobs in the US?
You require a degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, or a related subject to work as a data analyst.
A degree is not the only qualification for working as a data analyst, though. To succeed in this position, you must also have the appropriate tools and abilities.
You need a mix of hard and soft skills if you want to be a successful and high-paying data analyst in the US.
Data analytics tools like Excel, Python, R, and SQL and an understanding of those languages are among the technical skills needed for careers as data analysts.
Soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication are necessary for work as data analysts.
What are the top companies hiring for data analyst jobs in the US?
In the United States, there is a great demand for data analysts, and many organizations are looking for qualified individuals for data analysis positions. The top employers in the USA for data analyst positions are listed below:
Data analyst jobs in the US for freshmen: Amazon, Google, Microsoft, IBM, Deloitte, Accenture, Ernst & Young, PwC, Oracle, and Facebook.
Experienced: Apple, JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, American Express, Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, Tesla, and Intel.
What is a data analyst’s salary in the US?
Data analyst salaries in the US vary depending on several variables, including location, experience, talents, and employer. An overview of data analysts’ typical salaries in the USA is shown below:
Fresh data analyst salary:
For entry-level data analyst jobs, the typical annual compensation in the USA is between $60,000 and $80,000.
However, this can change based on elements including the candidate’s talents and qualifications, the company’s size, and the location of the organization.
Experienced data analyst salary:
Data analysts with more experience typically make far more money than their less-experienced colleagues.
In the USA, a data analyst with five to ten years of experience may expect to make between $90,000 and $120,000 per year.
However, this can change based on elements including the candidate’s talents and qualifications, the company’s size, and the location of the organization.
Data analysts with more than ten years of experience can expect to make up to $150,000 annually.
Conclusion
Data analysis has become a crucial component of business operations in recent years due to the massive amounts of data generated.
Having looked at the highest-paying data analyst jobs in the US, the United States of America has one of the highest demands for data analysts globally.
So, whether you’re a seasoned data pro or just embarking on a career path, there are several high-paying positions available for those with the right skills and qualifications.
