What does a data analyst do?
Data analysts collect, clean and analyse data to answer business questions, then present findings in reports and dashboards that help teams make decisions.
Salary
These are approximate UK figures for guidance only, not guaranteed salaries. Pay varies by employer, location and experience. Approximate. Check the National Careers Service, Prospects and job adverts for current figures.
How do you become a data analyst?
- GCSEs including maths
- A levels or Level 3 apprenticeship
- Data analyst apprenticeship, numerate degree or self-taught portfolio
- Data Analyst
Data analyst apprenticeships, graduate schemes and self-taught routes with a portfolio of projects are all common.
Routes vary. Always check entry requirements with course providers, employers and the relevant professional body.
Do you need a degree?
Often useful but not essential
Main routes in: A levels, Apprenticeship, Degree, Other routes.
Useful subjects
- Maths
- Computing
- Statistics
Skills you'll need
- SQL
- Excel
- Data visualisation
- Statistics basics
- Communication
Where could you work?
- Every sector: retail, finance, NHS, government, tech
What is the work like?
Computer-based, often hybrid, with lots of collaboration with colleagues who need insights.
Career progression
Progress to senior analyst, analytics manager, data scientist or data engineer.
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Written by the STEMLaunch Editorial Team. Last updated 2026-10-05. General careers information only; check details with official sources such as the National Careers Service, NHS Careers, UCAS and professional bodies.