Exploring entry level data analyst salaries
A data analyst salary is typically high, with strong job growth across a wide variety of markets and industries. But it can be tricky to zero in on exactly how much you’ll make in an entry-level data analyst role. We’ve done deep research to compile useful data from across the U.S. on salary ranges for data analysts.
Data analysts are a valuable resource for modern businesses, putting the role in high demand. These analysts study available data, examine consumer patterns and behaviors, and develop useful analytical tools. These analytical tools help businesses achieve their revenue, productivity, and consumer satisfaction goals.
JobStep helps you maximize your salary as a data analyst by matching you with great data analyst roles. JobStep applies to the right jobs on your behalf and ensures you get interviews for jobs you’re likely to thrive in.
Let’s dig into the average entry-level data analyst salary by industry and experience.
How much do entry level data analyst jobs pay annually?
The average data analyst salary for entry-level employees ranges from $41,000 to $76,000 per year. The national average salary for entry-level data analyst jobs is $57,137. Experience level and market location are the largest salary variables. A career in data analysis comes with plenty of upward mobility and potential salary growth.
How does the average data analyst salary vary by location?
Not surprisingly, cities like New York City, San Francisco, and Seattle offer data analysts the highest salaries. This has driven the strongest job growth and the widest range of industries that data analysts can work in.
In the Midwest and South, entry-level data analyst roles offer some of the highest salaries you can get as an entry-level candidate.
| Titles | Cities | Entry-Level Average Base Salary | Mid-Level Average Base Salary |
| Data Analyst, Junior Data Scientist, Product Analyst | New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles | $48K - $87.5K | $87.5K - $153K |
| Data Analyst, Junior Data Scientist, Product Analyst | Chicago, Austin, Denver, Boston, Washington DC, San Diego | $45k - $75K | $77K - $150K |
| Data Analyst, Junior Data Scientist, Product Analyst | Other US Metro Areas | $40K - $75K | $66K - $150K |
| Business Operations Analyst, Operations Analyst, Customer Success Analyst, Sales Operations Analyst | New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles | $41K - $85K | $70K - $150K |
| Business Operations Analyst, Operations Analyst, Customer Success Analyst, Sales Operations Analyst | Chicago, Austin, Denver, Boston, Washington DC, San Diego | $43K - $65K | $60K - $135K |
| Business Operations Analyst, Operations Analyst, Customer Success Analyst, Sales Operations Analyst | Other US Metro Areas | $40K - $60K | $57K - $115K |
Remote data analyst roles and salaries
More and more companies are offering remote and hybrid data analyst positions. This is in part because data analysts work best when they have long periods of time to work without interruption. Employers know they have to offer remote options to attract the best candidates.
Remote data analyst roles
On the other hand, there’s a strong collaborative and consultative element to being a great data analyst. You will build reports, automations, scripts, and recommendations for other teams. It’s important to work closely with those teams to understand their needs, how they define the data, and what their goals are. If you work remote, remember to try to schedule check-in or collaboration meetings.
What are the salary ranges for remote data analysts?
Economists forecast that remote data analyst roles may end up paying less than on-site roles in top-earning cities. However, you may earn more working remotely from the Midwest for a company based in San Francisco.
How do data analyst salaries vary by industry?
With the exception of data analyst roles in the technology and financial sectors, entry-level data analyst salaries don’t tend to vary much by industry. In addition, entry-level data analyst roles generally pay a lot more than other entry-level roles.
With that said, future data analyst average salary potential is higher in companies that focus on tech hardware, networking, finance, software development, and entertainment. The biggest pay bumps come from investing in technical skills or becoming an expert in complex types of analyses used across multiple industries.
Develop the right data analyst skills for higher salary
The skill most likely to lead to higher salaries is your ability to learn new tools, statistical methods, and machine-learning methods quickly. Data Analytics and Data Science is evolving, with smart people coming up with new tools, frameworks, and models. Learning the fundamentals of statistics, machine learning, and data visualization will help you improve your analytical skills. Working on harder projects will help you drive more impact and work to get paid more.
Focus on data analyst jobs in tech industries
Jobs in tech come with some of the highest paying entry-level data analyst salaries. At the same time, the demand for tech-driven data analyst jobs is growing. To help you take advantage of the high pay and job growth, JobStep focuses on helping job seekers break into technology and technology-enabled businesses. That’s where we’re seeing the greatest growth.
How much can you expect to earn based on your experience as a data analyst?
Experience level makes a big difference in determining data analyst salary. Even if you’re applying for an entry-level position, having relevant data analyst experience on your resume can help you earn a higher starting salary.
Must-have skills for an entry-level position are:
- Familiarity with SQL (Structured Query Language).
- Being comfortable working your way around a Microsoft Excel and Google Sheet.
- Being able to run an AB test.
- Familiarity with at least one of the following: Tableau, PowerBI, R, or Python.
The longer you’ve been working in data analysis, the more you can expect to earn. Continuing to develop new skill sets is a great way to ensure salary increases over time. Eventually many data analysts shift into other related positions (data scientists, product manager, operations managers) for higher earning potential.
| Years of Experience | Data Analyst Average Salary |
| 0-3 | $70,000 – $90,000 |
| 3-5 | $90,000 – $110,000 |
| 6+ | $100K - $200K |
How can working with JobStep help you land the highest paying data analyst jobs?
Job searching, especially when you’re trying to build your skills and online portfolio, can be a time-sucking nightmare. The average data analyst candidate has to apply to 26 jobs just to get one interview. Worse, writing optimized data analyst resumes is hard, and finding the time to practice and prepare for data analyst interviews is challenging.
JobStep doubles the speed at which you get interviews and saves you 15-25 hours a week on the job search. With JobStep, the only thing you need to do is prepare for and show up for interviews. JobStep handles everything else. We write your resume, curate great jobs, and actually apply to jobs for you.
We’re so confident in our ability to help data analysts speed up their job hunt that we offer a money-back guarantee. We’ll get job seekers at least 5 interviews in 6 weeks or your money back. Schedule a consultation to learn more.
Data Analyst FAQs
What are the potential career paths for entry level data analysts?
Starting as a data analyst can lead to exciting and interesting future jobs. Common career trajectories include jobs as a Data Scientist, Analytics Manager, and Senior Data Analyst. Whether you prefer to crunch numbers or manage teams, there’s a relevant career path in data analysis for you!
What are the highest paying markets for data analysts?
Pay for data analysts varies, but data analyst salaries in California’s Silicon Valley cities like San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose are often highest. States like New York, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts also offer better data analyst average salary rates than other markets.
What are the lowest paying markets for data analysts?
Locations with depressed economies have lower than average incomes for data analysts. Though cost of living tends to be lower, you can expect to earn a lower salary in states like North Carolina, Mississippi, and Arkansas.