Unleashing data’s potential

The rise of AI and machine learning and the need to drive data integrity, compliance and digital transformation make Data Analysts some of the most valuable members of an organisation. 

Demand is high, and professionals with the right skills are limited. Those who have what it takes to be a Data Analyst can be generously rewarded for their work. 

Find my next Data Analyst job 

Whether you’re looking to join a dynamic start-up or a large enterprise, our experts are committed to finding you a new role at a company that’s right for you.

We’ll find out exactly what you want and then make sure our exclusive network of employers gets to hear about you, your skills and expertise. You’ll be able to capitalise on the demand for ambitious data analysts and we’ll support you every step of the way to secure your next role. 

Find your nearest office to get in touch with us, send us your CV or browse our latest available data analyst roles. 

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Data Analyst job responsibilities

The role of the Data Analyst is complex and varied; however, they have one thing in common - a curiosity about what makes data work. 

These professionals are not just interested in numbers but want to know why those numbers work as they do, which requires a combination of technical skills and an ability to ask questions that really matter. 

In some workplaces, Data Analysts work in a team and collaborate with others to extract information from data. In other workplaces, they handle all tasks independently, including:

  • Gathering and preparing data 
  • Asking perceptive questions about the data and sharing their conclusions 
  • Building charts or dashboards to communicate results visually 
  • Updating databases to reflect changes in systems or customer needs 
  • Explaining complex data to colleagues and customers 
  • They’ll also help their organisation to make informed decisions. By analysing different data sets, they can spot patterns or identify anomalies that might otherwise be missed. They can then communicate these findings in an easily digestible form 
  • Learn more about what’s included in the typical Data Analyst job description

Industries offering Data Analyst jobs in Australia

Australian Data Analyst jobs are available across a range of industries, including but not limited to: 

Any organisation that collects or maintains a large amount of information can benefit from employing a data analyst who can make sense of data sets. Because the potential of data is so vast, people who can interpret it can bring huge value to any business. 

Data Analysts can find themselves working for a vast range of organisations, from start-ups to multinational enterprises. This is why working as a data professional is a secure career choice because your skills are transferrable to almost every industry. 

The typical day of a Data Analyst

A typical working day might involve: 

  • Conducting data analysis and data visualisation to support data reporting and data-driven decision making 
  • Interviewing business stakeholders to gather data requirements 
  • Identifying gaps in datasets and building new datasets from scratch 
  • Writing code for a range of database management systems 
  • Collecting data from different sources, such as transactional systems or social media, and checking data for accuracy 
  • Working with data models to ensure data integrity 
  • Updating data management tools to improve data cleanliness and data consistency 

A Data Analyst would also be involved in data preparation, data cleansing and data aggregation. This is where they do all of the data management work to prepare datasets for analysis. 

Learn more about Data Analyst jobs

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Your Data Analyst job questions, answered

What salary does a Data Analyst earn in Australia? 

Salaries differ depending on the role, location and experience of the individual. In Sydney, a Data Analyst can expect to earn between $82,000 and $130,000 per annum, and a DW/BI Developer can earn between $102,000 and $140,000.
 
A Data Architect in Sydney can typically make between $120,000 and $200,000. 
 
To learn more about typical earnings as a Data Analyst in Australia, use the Hays Salary Checker to benchmark data salaries.

What type of employers are hiring data analysts? 

Almost all industries have a need for professionals to help them make sense of their data.
 
Mid-sized to large organisations have traditionally been those employers who most require in-house data professionals, as well as smaller organisations that are data-centric, but many start-ups and scale-ups today also recognise the importance of these skills to help them fine-tune their product offering and grow sales. 

What qualifications or experience are beneficial to my applications for data analyst jobs? 

It is beneficial to have a degree in maths, statistics, or some form of computing.
 
However, due to the acute shortage of skilled data analysts, many organisations are now prioritising proven experience over qualifications, and some are even focusing almost solely on potential and offering to provide learning and development opportunities for those with an analytical mindset and an understanding of data analytics. 

What are the advantages of working as a data analyst? 

First and foremost, data is an exciting area to be working in – in today’s information-driven world, data analysts make sense of complex data and impact decision-making by giving evidence-based, forward-looking insights. Data is powering the world around us and is now an essential part of most industries and functions, including marketing, R&D and the development of new technology.
 
The importance of data is also powering the surge in demand for data scientists and data analysts, which means that remuneration packages in this field are typically well above the national average. 

What technical and soft skills does a data analyst need to have? 

If you are applying for a job as a data and analytics professional, it’s important to be highly proficient in advanced Excel skills and visualisation tools such as PowerBI, Tableau and/or Qlik, as well as having an understanding of databases (whether SQL, Oracle, MySQL or No SQL).
 
Computer programming skills and SQL coding are also skills in demand, and you should also keep up-to-date with advances in Big Data technology and understand how these can be applied to your role. 
 
However, it’s not just technical skills which are in demand – soft skills will help separate you from the competition. You should have an analytical mind and the ability to spot trends, and excellent communication and presentation skills – including the ability to clearly communicate your reports and insights to a non-technical audience.
 
Learn more about the requirements for Data Analyst skills and qualifications.