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Job outlook for data processing analysts in the United States
Are data processing analyst jobs in demand?
Data processing analyst job and salary trends over time
Data processing analyst jobs over time
Data processing analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 428 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 408 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 395 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 540 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 535 | 0.00% |
Average data processing analyst salary over time
Data processing analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $76,487 | $36.77 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $73,966 | $35.56 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $72,292 | $34.76 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $71,909 | $34.57 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $71,053 | $34.16 | +1.7% |
Data processing analyst jobs by state
Most common states for data processing analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 607 | 87% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,211 | 32% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,679 | 28% |
| 4 | Alaska | 739,795 | 190 | 26% |
| 5 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,032 | 25% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 332 | 25% |
| 7 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,316 | 23% |
| 8 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 238 | 23% |
| 9 | Delaware | 961,939 | 224 | 23% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 176 | 23% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,904 | 22% |
| 12 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 687 | 22% |
| 13 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,157 | 21% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 751 | 21% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 2,533 | 20% |
| 16 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 385 | 20% |
| 17 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 173 | 20% |
| 18 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,944 | 19% |
| 19 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,743 | 19% |
| 20 | California | 39,536,653 | 6,951 | 18% |
Most common cities for data processing analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $79,197 |
| 2 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $71,056 |
| 3 | Oxnard | 2 | 1% | $89,323 |
| 4 | Corona | 1 | 1% | $86,332 |
| 5 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $71,440 |
| 6 | Santa Monica | 1 | 1% | $87,898 |
| 7 | Tallahassee | 1 | 1% | $70,427 |
| 8 | Topeka | 1 | 1% | $65,654 |
| 9 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $80,599 |
| 10 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $78,270 |
| 11 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $76,425 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $73,392 |
| 13 | Montgomery | 1 | 0% | $70,876 |
| 14 | Saint Paul | 1 | 0% | $71,881 |
Data Processing Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of data processing analyst experts
UMass Lowell
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of Washington
Mississippi College
University of Southern Maine
Western Kentucky University
SUNY College at Geneseo
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
University of California, Santa Cruz
University of Illinois at Chicago
University of Maryland - College Park
Mount St Mary's University
Kettering University
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: Obviously we are seeing a tremendous increase in AI and other digital technologies. These will become a more crucial skill set for many careers going forward. But I wouldn't downplay the role of what are traditionally seen as soft skills like empathy, communications, and judgment. Not only can these distinguish you from robots but from your human competitors as well.
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: If all you want is the highest potential starting salary, then you should aim for careers that offer them. But that is a shortsighted way to view things. For example, many careers that have tournament-like pay structures (think entertainment) often have very low starting salaries but the so-called winners enjoy outsized financial gains. If you are thinking about a more traditional career, I think it's important to make sure you are more valuable to your employer than they are to you. This means you have to market yourself, both to your current employer as well as to potential ones. Of course, this approach may not be for everyone and maximizing your salary potential is only one thing you should be considering when assessing job and career opportunities.
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Yipeng Yang: Logic and critical thinking, mathematical modeling, computer programming, data analytics, and communication.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yipeng Yang: Get to know clearly the job duties quickly. Make good connections with colleagues and listen to their advices.
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Yipeng Yang: Enhance problem-solving ability. Keep learning and improving new skills in your field.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Digital literacy: As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in digital tools and platforms will become increasingly essential. Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Data literacy: Understanding and analyzing data will become more important for making informed decisions and optimizing strategies. Interdisciplinary skills: The ability to work across different disciplines and collaborate effectively with diverse teams will be highly valued. Emotional intelligence: Soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork will continue to be in demand as workplaces become more interconnected and dynamic.
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Joseph Spivey: I’d start by becoming as knowledgeable as possible about the salaries of people in jobs you are interested in. Compare salaries for open positions; you may be able to use your knowledge as leverage to ask for more money. When you interview, ask not just about starting salary but about how raises and promotions are handled. I wish that I had learned some basic negotiation principles when I started my career. I’d recommend the book Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Joseph Spivey: I think technology, especially artificial intelligence, provide increasingly important tools. Mathematics graduates will need to understand how to use technology in all kinds of new ways to improve their output and efficiency. Math graduates will need to be able to identify the best technological tools for a given task and critically interpret the output. As with most technological tools, people will be best served by using technology to augment, rather than replace, their efforts.
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Joseph Spivey: My first piece of advice is to recognize that you have achieved something hard and worthwhile by completing a mathematics major. There are not many people on this planet who have the knowledge and skills that you have developed! By completing a math major, you have proven that you have excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and these abilities and confidence in your abilities will pay off. I also think it’s worthwhile to identify a mentor early on who can help guide you to be successful.
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Dr. Michael Zhang: In the coming years, turning data into insights and driving business innovation and success is the new compass.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Michael Zhang: Don’t worry about your job title. Regardless of what you do, prepare yourself with data and modeling skills and hands-on experience in applying knowledge for developing, evaluating, refining and implementing analytics solutions to your career.
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Michael Zhang: All your study at University is a solid foundation of the bridge between theory and practice. Don’t be afraid of failure, be open-minded, keep learning and adapting to new challenges.
Dany Doueiri
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Dany Doueiri: Don't try to start your own business right after you graduate. Keep your dreams, passions, and aspirations alive but get experience from the field through companies, organizations, and institutions. Gain wisdom from those who have more experience than you and those who make mistakes, including your own shortcomings. Then, you can consider branching out. Finally, learning never stops at the end of your college journey. Be humble and keep on learning for life.
Fawen Zhang PhD
Professor of AudiologyUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Victor Menaldo: Learn, learn and learn some more. Adopt a growth mindset where you never stop learning. Gain economic literacy and financial literacy and historical literacy and statistical literacy. This will allow you to complement AI: ask it good questions, contextualize and evaluate its answers, and ask good follow up questions.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Victor Menaldo: Interacting with AI and knowing how to best exploit it to get the most out of it: increase productivity and value added in whatever field one is in.
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Taylor Poe Ph.D.: Remember to problem solve creatively just as you did in your coursework. The critical thinking and problem-solving skills you learned will be continually tested in whatever field you go into from your math degree. Also remember the benefits of collaborating with colleagues both in the field and in other disciplines.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Taylor Poe Ph.D.: Data analysis is certainly a growing field, and we cannot deny the benefits of having some programming skills. The ability to communicate and work with others will open doors to bigger projects.
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Taylor Poe Ph.D.: Sell the strengths that set you apart and be willing to continue learning new skills and areas.
Tove Rasmussen
LecturerUniversity of Southern Maine
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen advises graduates beginning their career in the field to...
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen believes that the skills that will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years are...
Tim Scales
Director of Center for Entrepreneurship – Director Center for Economic Education and Senior Lecturer in Business and EconomicsWhat general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Tim Scales: I would advise a graduate beginning their career in the field to focus on building a strong network, continuously learning and adapting to new technologies and trends, and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals in the industry.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tim Scales: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in the field, it's important to negotiate effectively, demonstrate value through performance, seek out opportunities for advancement and additional responsibilities, and continuously invest in improving skills and knowledge relevant to the industry.
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Tim Scales: In the next 3-5 years, I believe skills such as data analysis, digital marketing, and adaptability to changing market conditions will become increasingly important and prevalent in the field.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Rich PhD: Think about the types of jobs that interest you and the skills necessary for those jobs early. So many students start thinking about post-graduation life spring their senior year, when it should be an incremental process much earlier. Another pieces of advice would be to talk to faculty and alum about your interests, find internship or research opportunities when possible, and try to figure out early your strengths and weaknesses. It's easy for students, especially high performing ones, to not fully consider what their weaknesses are. I encourage students to jot down what they see as their skills too and to share them with others. It helps them to identify what's a common skill versus something that might make them stick out.
Jasmine Tang
SUNY College at Geneseo
Bilingual, Multilingual, And Multicultural Education
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jasmine Tang: Be confident of their major/minor or the subject they like and do best of the field they like for themselves not for money or please their parents or fulfill the dream of others.
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.
ProfessorJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.: Being able to negotiate a salary is also a skill that students need to learn and one that is rarely taught in college. Students need to be able to ask for more than they are offered, but also take jobs at entry levels, prove themselves and then ask for an increase in pay six months into the job after they have shown that they are doing the work and achieving their goals.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stephanie Lain Ph.D.: I would advise graduates to be open to considering jobs in lots of different fields. The skills acquired through their major- such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing- are ones that transfer well to a variety of situations.
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago
Medical Illustration And Informatics
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.: In terms of hard skills: Data analytics, Machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, Mobile health informatics. In terms of soft skills: Problem-solving, Motivation and drive driven by curiosity, Communication skills.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.: By targeting positions that align with your background and expertise and by adjusting aspects of your CV and cover letter to highlight your skills and competencies in relation to the position you are applying for. Also, by negotiating your salary and providing justification as to why you deserve more than the initial offer. Do your research and talk to people to gain a better understanding of what is the salary range of the position you are applying.
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Spyros Kitsiou Ph.D.: Continue to build your health informatics skills and competencies; stay informed about the latest trends and developments in your field; create a professional network by going to venues, conferences, workshops, and other social events; and be professional and respectful in all your interactions. Don't forget to send a Thank you email with 24 hours after your interview.
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Sean Cao: Data analytics skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and communication skills will become more important and prevalent in the next few years. Acquiring these skills positions students to gain a competitive edge in the era of AI.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sean Cao: Acquiring in-demand skills and expanding institutional knowledge through industry experience can maximize salary potential at the beginning of your career. First, enhancing these skills through certifications, internships, and active involvement in pertinent projects can significantly boost your attractiveness to employers. Moreover, obtaining industry experience via internships provides invaluable practical knowledge and insights. Furthermore, networking within your industry can provide access to mentorship, recommendations, and insider information crucial for maximizing earning potential. Last, delving deeply into understanding your industry and specializing in niche areas can elevate your salary prospects.
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Sean Cao: First, enhancing proficiency in data analytics is important for accounting students aiming to excel in today's data-rich financial environment. It is imperative that students can effectively use advanced data analytics tools to analyze both quantitative and qualitative data, such as 10-K, 8-K, and ESG disclosures. By leveraging analytical tools to identify patterns, trends, and anomalies within financial data, students can transform complex information into actionable insights. This ability not only facilitates informed decision-making but also distinguishes individuals as indispensable assets within any organization. Second, cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to think critically and solve problems creatively is particularly important in the age of AI. As AI technologies increasingly automate routine tasks, the unique human ability to think critically, evaluate complex situations, and generate innovative solutions becomes more valuable than ever. In addition, strengthening effective communication skills. In an era where technology frequently facilitates interactions, the capacity to articulate ideas clearly and convincingly, both verbally and in writing, is important. Enhancing communication skills contributes to better collaboration with colleagues and management, ensuring that your ideas and contributions are duly recognized and appreciated.
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Sagar Raina D.Sc.: The transition from the academic world to the industry is a significant milestone and may be overwhelming for the beginners. The first and foremost advice I would give is to be “patient”, be “positive” and be “open to learning”. The field of Information Systems consists of the three important components – people, processes, and technology. The graduates beginning their careers should be able to understand and learn about the “people” working in the organization, the “processes” of the organization and the “technology” used by the organization. To accomplish this, work hard, be open to ask questions to the senior colleagues and keep yourself informed about the new trends in Information Systems sector.
Dr. Osama Aljarrah
Assistant ProfessorKettering University
Manufacturing Engineering
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Dr. Osama Aljarrah: The capacity to solve complex problems in real-time settings. What enables you to do that is the ability to analyze information systematically and make data-driven decisions using artificial intelligence, data analytics, lean manufacturing, lean six sigma, and programming skills.
What Data Processing Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Osama Aljarrah: As someone who deeply cares about my students' success beyond graduation, I strongly recommend seeking a mentor. Choose someone you respect and whose career path inspires you—whether it's a teacher, manager, or even a family member. A good mentor can offer invaluable guidance and support as you navigate the early stages of your career.
What will help Data Processing Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Osama Aljarrah: Enhancing your qualifications through additional education can significantly boost your earning potential. This could mean obtaining an advanced degree or relevant certifications, especially in AI, supply chain, and manufacturing.
What general advice would you give to a Data Processing Analyst?
Dr. Paige Novak P.E. (Minnesota), BCEE: Ask questions, stay curious and open minded, take opportunities to learn and develop new skills.