Highest-Paying Data Analyst Jobs [2023]

Research Summary. Using a combination of public government and company data as well as data gathered from thousands of job postings, the Zippia data team has created average salary estimates for jobs across the US. Using that data set, the team has identified the types of data analysts that are the highest paid based on their average annual salaries.

Here is a summary of our findings for the highest-paying types of data analysts:

• Staff Analyst is the highest-paid type of data analyst with an average salary of $99,158 and an average hourly rate of $47.67.

• The second highest-paying type of data analyst is senior data analyst-, with an average salary of $91,585.

• The average data analyst salary is $74,342 per year, and the average hourly pay is $35.74.

Table Of Contents: Background | Table | Methodology | FAQs

Background

Choosing a career path can be difficult, and while pay shouldn’t be the only thing you consider in your decision, it is a significant factor. So if you’d like to work as a data analyst, it helps to have an idea of what the highest-paid types of data analysts are so that you can plan your career progression.

Here are the top salaries for different types of data analysts:

1. Staff Analyst

   Average Salary: $99,158

   Staff Analysts are employees who oversee the activities related to the employees. They monitor the performance of the employees and assess whether particular employees suit the role they have. They also assess the current roles in the company to see if those roles are really needed. Staff Analysts ensure that the manpower allocation in the company is efficient. They analyze staff-related data to check whether there are more areas for improvement. Staff Analysts may also be assigned to come up with projects related to improving productivity.

2. Senior Data Analyst-

   Average Salary: $91,585

   The role of a senior data analyst is to oversee and conduct data conversion into insights leading to informed business decisions. Senior data analysts work directly with the top management and executives and stakeholders of businesses. Their duties and responsibilities include data collection and interpretation, data set pattern and trend identification, and business management. Skills in leadership, management, technicalities, data management, and data analysis are a must in this job. They should also develop their communication skills and attention to detail.

3. Database Analyst

   Average Salary: $85,660

   A database analyst is primarily responsible for devising strategies on how to handle a company’s collection of data and information. Typically, they are in charge of designing and implementing databases, evaluating existing ones, and providing recommendations for improvement. They are also responsible for testing, populating, and maintaining databases, ensuring accuracy and timeliness. Furthermore, as a database analyst, it is essential to adhere to the company’s policies and regulations, all while coordinating with other administrators to make sure that all processes align with the company’s goals.

4. Program Management Analyst

   Average Salary: $79,266

   The job of a program management analyst involves optimizing business operations and analyzing organizational processes to increase productivity and maximize efficiency and profits. Program management analysts help track every company’s schedule, budget, and delivery of goods and/or services. They prepare reports of the status of management projects. It is part of their job to determine business operations and opportunities. The analysts must develop skills in understanding long-term employer goals, management skills, and analytical skills.

5. Business Process Analyst

   Average Salary: $78,215

   The business process analysts are responsible for producing, managing, and enhancing business processes to improve business performance using data. They gather, analyze, and transcribe information about internal processes to obtain a comprehensive picture of the company’s internal workings. Their responsibilities include developing strategies, identifying the needs of the user, and communicating compound data in a comprehensible way. Also, they identify, implement, and assess business metrics that are essential to the end-users. Additionally, they may act as consultants to project teams providing them with recommendations for product or service improvement.

Below is a full table of the average pay for various data analyst that pay the most followed by a more detailed explanation of our methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Data Analysts

Methodology

Zippia uses publicly published information from government sources such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Foreign Labor Certification Data Center (FLC), and the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to create its salary estimates.

Our data science team also checks job postings and company-published resources for additional up-to-date salary information for data analysts.

Once they’ve gathered the data, the team calculates a weighted average for each job title they’re estimating a salary for. For more details on our salary estimates, you can read the detailed methodology.

Highest-Paying Types Of Data Analyst Jobs FAQs

1. What is the highest-paid data analyst job?

   The highest-paid data analyst job is a staff analyst. Staff Analysts earn an average salary of $99,158, which is $ 47.67 hourly.

   Staff Analysts are employees who oversee the activities related to the employees. They monitor the performance of the employees and assess whether particular employees suit the role they have. They also assess the current roles in the company to see if those roles are really needed. Staff Analysts ensure that the manpower allocation in the company is efficient. They analyze staff-related data to check whether there are more areas for improvement. Staff Analysts may also be assigned to come up with projects related to improving productivity.

2. What is a good salary for a data analyst?

   A good salary for a data analyst is $74,342 or more. The average data analyst salary is $74,342, so those making at least $74,342 are earning above-average paychecks.

   Keep in mind, however, that the average data analyst salary does fluctuate based on location, as companies will adjust their pay scales based on the cost of living in that area. Research what the average salary is in your area for someone of your expertise and experience level to get a more accurate view on how well you’re being paid.

   In addition, if you’re just starting your career as a data analyst, the average entry level salary is $42,875, so don’t base your opinion of your salary on the $74,342 average, as this includes all data analysts of all skill and experience levels.

3. Do Data Analyst jobs pay well?

   Yes, data analyst jobs pay well. As in any industry, some data analyst jobs pay better than others, but the average data analyst salary of $74,342 is times the average national salary of about $44,225 per year.

   In addition to this, many data analyst jobs have high earning potential, with the top 10% of data analysts earning $98,352 a year on average.

   Data Analysts’ salaries will fluctuate based on their experience level, industry, and location, so pay attention to these factors when you’re looking for a job as a data analyst. Do your research on the going rate for a data analyst in your area with your expertise, and don’t be afraid to negotiate your salary based on that information.

4. Where do data analysts get paid the most?

   Data Analysts get paid the most in Connecticut. In Connecticut, data analysts earn an average annual salary of $79,907 and an average hourly wage of $38.42.

   Following CT, the states with the highest-paid data analysts are New Jersey, Maryland, and District of Columbia, with average annual salaries of $82,466, $79,828, and $82,711 respectively.

   The cities with the highest-paid data analyst salaries are:

   1. Richmond, CA – $87,750

   2. Washington, DC – $82,722

   3. Jersey City, NJ – $82,520

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.