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Data Analyst

Engineering & Tech

Pull insights from data. SQL + Excel + dashboards. Entry point into analytics careers.

What they actually do

Data analysts query databases, build dashboards, write reports for business users. Less ML-heavy than data scientist; more day-to-day operational analytics. Strong entry-tier career into DS, BI, product analytics.

A typical day

How to become a Data Analyst

2 viable paths.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's (any quantitative)
  • SQL + Excel + Tableau/Power BI

Skills that matter

  • SQL (advanced)
  • Excel (pivot tables, lookups, basic stats)
  • Tableau/Power BI/Looker
  • Communication + storytelling
  • Basic stats

Salary bands by experience

Indicative, wide bands — real salary depends on city, employer, performance. Pick the midpoint for planning. Sources: NASSCOM Indian IT salary report, Naukri JobSpeak, 7th Pay Commission tables, PayScale and AmbitionBox aggregates, official salary structures published by ministries.

Career growth + employers

Data Analyst → Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager → Director Analytics. Or pivot to DS, BI, Product Analytics.

Honest pros + cons

Pros

  • Lower entry barrier than DS/SDE
  • Skill compounds across industries
  • Strong pivot opportunities

Cons

  • Mid-career plateau if no specialisation
  • Reporting work can feel repetitive
  • Below DS pay at similar tenure

Demand outlook

Strong. Every company collecting data needs analysts. Entry-level a great launch.

Questions

How to become a Data Analyst?
Any bachelor's → Bootcamp/cert → Job. Common. Coursera Google DA, Microsoft PL-300 certificates help. BTech/BSc Stats → Job. Direct entry via campus.
What is the salary of a Data Analyst in India?
Fresher: ₹3.5 - ₹8 LPA. Mid (3-5 yr): ₹8 - ₹18 LPA. Senior (5-8 yr): ₹15 - ₹30 LPA
What qualifications are needed to become a Data Analyst?
Bachelor's (any quantitative). SQL + Excel + Tableau/Power BI

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