How To Become A Communications Analyst: What It Is and Career Path

What is a communications analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Quoted experts

F. Michele Abbott,

Everett Wiles

If you like working with computers and understanding how communications work, you may have found the right career. Communications analysts use skills in communications, problem resolution, and analysis to manage digital communications networks. They monitor computer network systems, such as intranet networks, wide area networks, etc. They also determine the structure of a network, along with hardware and programming protocol.

This position's essential skills include analytical, project management, self-starter, interpersonal, organizational, and communicational. The person in this role should be able to multitask and be comfortable with fast-changing environments. As a communications analyst, your responsibilities will include developing effective corporate communication strategies, managing internal communications, organizing initiatives and events, collaborating with others, performing damage control in bad publicity cases, and facilitating the resolution of disputes with public or external vendors. A bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field is the norm requirement for the position.

The average hourly salary for a traditional workweek is $31.16, which amounts to over $64,000 annually. The career is expected to grow 5% and produce over 8000 jobs across the United States in the near future.

What general advice would you give to a communications analyst?

F. Michele Abbott

Professor, Website

A: Analytical thinking – we used to say “critical thinking”, but the term’s been overused
and is sometimes unclear. Being knowledgeable and thinking analytically are not the
same; imagine the difference between checkers and chess.
Then, in no particular order
 Anything media related – from graphic texts to AI. Who’s using what? Why?
Where did it come from and how can it help you? Does your school offer
multimedia options?
 Learn another language, at least on a very elementary level. Language is culture;
it’s a great way to live outside your own bubble while also being a real, tangible
skill.
 Knowledge of basic civics is crucial. In order to fully realize the potential of their
education, students need to understand what current systems are relevant to the
communities in which they live and work, and what that will/could look like in the
future. In a related vein, …
 … An understanding of - and ability to make connections between - global and
local priorities. Be able to consider the tangible applications of communication in
specific situations. Consider this and the above 3 points when choosing
electives.

ScoreCommunications AnalystUS Average

Salary

5.8

Avg. Salary $74,108

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.32%

Asian 10.37%

Black or African American 9.82%

Hispanic or Latino 13.88%

Unknown 4.46%

White 61.15%

Gender

female 53.88%

male 46.12%

Age - 45

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 45

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

5.9

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a communications analyst

Explore communications analyst education requirements

Most common communications analyst degrees

Bachelor's

71.1 %

Master's

12.2 %

Associate

10.8 %

Start to develop specific communications analyst skills

Skills	Percentages
Project Management	9.73%
PowerPoint	8.93%
SharePoint	5.57%
Web Content	4.84%
Data Analysis	4.24%

Research communications analyst duties and responsibilities

Manage PC inventory and staff training projects.
Manage, order, and inventory COMSEC material for secure telephony equipment.
Manage design, maintenance and support of cabling plant, hubs, routers and all other LAN/WAN network interface devices.
Manage, create and edit internal and external communication collateral, providing high-level management copywriting and document creation support.

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