Data Analyst Salaries: Benchmarks for 2025

The demand for data analysts is going crazy as businesses are relying more and more on data to make decisions. In this post, I’ll walk you through what you can expect for salary at different stages of a data analyst career so you can decide if this is the path for you.

If you’re considering a data analyst career you’re in the right place at the right time. Companies are more data hungry than ever and by 2025 this demand will be even crazier.

As businesses across all industries are realizing how important data is for making good decisions the role of a data analyst is becoming essential. This means not just more jobs but better pay and more opportunities to grow.

Companies want to invest in talented analysts who can turn raw data into insights. In this article, I’ll break it down for you.

Data Analyst Salaries

Is a data analyst career worth it? Absolutely! The demand for skilled data analysts is at an all-time high. This career offers strong financial rewards and the chance to shape business strategy. If you’re looking for a career that’s intellectually stimulating and financially rewarding data analysis is the way to go.

Let’s get into the numbers. Based on 2024 data from sources like Glassdoor, here’s a summary of what data analysts can expect to be paid in the United States:

• Entry level: between $65,000 to $75,000 annually, depending on location and company.
• Mid-level: average salaries range from $80,000 to $120,000 per year.
• Senior-level: $100,000 and $150,000 a year, with the top 10% reaching up to $120,500 or more.

Entry-Level Data Analyst Salaries

Starting your career as a data analyst in 2025 is a great move, with entry-level salaries ranging from $65,000 to $75,000 annually (Glassdoor). This solid starting salary reflects the growing demand for data analysts, especially in tech hubs like San Francisco and New York, where salaries tend to be higher due to the competitive market and cost of living. Your exact salary will also depend on the industry you choose, with sectors like finance and healthcare often offering higher pay to attract skilled talent.

To maximize your earning potential, it's crucial to have a strong foundation in essential tools like SQL, Excel, and basic statistics. These skills are the backbone of any data analyst's toolkit, enabling you to effectively manage and analyze data from day one. Platforms like LearnSQL.com offer specialized courses that can help you build and refine these critical skills, making you a more attractive candidate to potential employers and giving you the confidence to tackle real-world data challenges. Start with SQL Basics and earn your first professional certificate.

Besides technical skills employers also look for candidates who can hit the ground running. By mastering core data analysis tools you not only increase your chances of getting a higher starting salary but also set yourself up for success in the role. Building a strong skill set early on will get you up and running and set you up for future career growth.

Those resources will help you get your first data analyst job:

• How to Overcome the Challenges of Becoming a Data Analyst
• Roadmap to Becoming a Data Analyst
• Building a Data Analyst Portfolio: All You Need to Know
• SQL for Data Analysis Cheat Sheet

Mid-Level Data Analyst Salaries

After you’ve spent a few years in the field, your experience starts to pay off—literally. By 2025, mid-level data analysts are likely to earn between $80,000 and $120,000 per year (Glassdoor). This increase reflects the added value you bring to the table with your growing expertise.

At this stage, you’re not just crunching numbers; you’re providing valuable insights that can shape business decisions. Your work might involve more complex data manipulation, advanced visualizations, and perhaps even some leadership responsibilities, like guiding junior analysts or managing projects.

Being able to explain complex data in a simple, actionable way is just as crucial as knowing how to analyze it. When you can combine your technical skills with the ability to communicate clearly, you not only secure your role within the company but also open doors to new career opportunities and leadership roles.

Those resources will help you grow:

• Business Analyst v. Data Analyst: Roles & Career Paths
• SQL for Project Managers: Enhancing Decision-Making
• Top 100+ SQL Interview Questions and Practice Exercises
• How SQL Skills Can Boost Your Resume

Senior Data Analyst Salaries

By the time you’ve climbed to the senior level as a data analyst, your hard work and expertise really start to pay off. In 2025, you could be looking at a salary between $100,000 and $150,000 a year, with the possibility of even higher earnings depending on where you’re based and the industry you’re in (Glassdoor).

In this position, you're likely dealing with complex data models, diving into machine learning, and having a big-picture view of how data drives business strategy. You’ll also find yourself in a leadership role, where guiding and teaching the next generation of analysts becomes part of your day-to-day responsibilities. It’s a role that combines deep technical know-how with the ability to see and shape the bigger picture.

But to keep growing in your career—and to maximize your earning potential—it’s crucial to keep learning and adapting. Mastering advanced SQL, staying on top of data management techniques, and understanding emerging trends like machine learning are all part of what makes a senior data analyst stand out.

Employers want someone who can take complex data and make it understandable and actionable for everyone, from fellow analysts to top executives. This ability to bridge the gap between data and decision-making is what will keep you at the top of your game and make you an invaluable asset to any organization.

Below is a comparison of average salaries for data analysts at various levels, based on data from popular job and salary platforms like Glassdoor.com, Indeed.com, and Talent.com. These figures give you a snapshot of what you can expect to earn as you advance from a junior data analyst to a senior role, highlighting the financial growth opportunities in this field.

Compared to Other Data Roles

When comparing data related roles like data analysts, data scientists, business analysts and data engineers it’s good to know what each job entails and how much you can earn.

Data Scientists take things a step further than analysts, using advanced techniques like machine learning to predict future trends. Because of the specialized skills required, data scientists generally make more, with salaries starting around $126,000 and potentially reaching over $200,000 for senior positions(source).

Business Analysts are a bit different—they focus on how data can improve business processes and outcomes. They usually earn slightly more than data analysts, with salaries ranging from $77,000 to $101,000, depending on experience and location. Here is more about the difference between Business Analyst and Data Analyst Roles.

Data Engineers are the ones who build the systems that collect and store data. Their work is critical for making sure data analysts and scientists have what they need, and they typically earn between $10,000 and $124,000. Want to Get a Data Engineering Job? Learn SQL!

Each of these roles play a part in how businesses use data so the right choice depends on whether you like working with data directly, applying it to business strategy or building the systems that make it all happen.

Conclusion

If you’re thinking of becoming a data analyst you’re on a good path. By 2025 data analysts will be in high demand and not just good pay but a role that’s critical to how businesses operate.

To succeed the first step is to build a strong foundation in key areas, especially SQL and data management. These are the basics of any data analyst’s toolkit. If you want to make an impact consider the SQL A to Z track from LearnSQL.com – it’s a comprehensive way to get the skills you need to stand out.

This track takes you from basics to advanced SQL skills so you’re ready for real-world challenges. Plus you don’t need to install anything, it’s 100% web-based. By the time you finish, you’ll have the skills and tools employers are looking for and you’ll have a competitive edge in the job market.

Stay curious, keep learning, and be ready!