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The differences between junior data analysts and policy analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a junior data analyst and a policy analyst. Additionally, a policy analyst has an average salary of $66,359, which is higher than the $59,197 average annual salary of a junior data analyst.
The top three skills for a junior data analyst include data analysis, python and visualization. The most important skills for a policy analyst are public policy, policy analysis, and policy issues.
| Junior Data Analyst | Policy Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $59,197 | $66,359 |
| Hourly rate | $28.46 | $31.90 |
| Growth rate | 11% | 11% |
| Number of jobs | 125,589 | 69,173 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The primary role of junior data analysts is to collect and analyze data to aid organizations in making well-informed business decisions. These professionals are employed in various industries, including banks, telecommunications, and information technology firms. They have varied duties and responsibilities that may include interpreting raw data and identifying patterns, creating visualizations such as flowcharts and dashboards, and coding and re-coding data. Additionally, junior data analysts are expected to maintain databases and identify new opportunities for process improvements. They are also responsible for examining and evaluating business systems and practices.
Policy analysts are responsible for developing government policies and providing advice and briefing to senior management. These professionals work to influence both social and political decisions. They typically work in four key areas, including collecting information, analyzing policies, providing recommendations, and sharing information with government officials and the public. Additionally, they are also expected to consult with stakeholders to provide quantitative evidence supporting their policy. The rest of their time is spent on writing, reading, and analyzing information.
Junior data analysts and policy analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Junior Data Analyst | Policy Analyst | |
| Average salary | $59,197 | $66,359 |
| Salary range | Between $42,000 And $82,000 | Between $47,000 And $92,000 |
| Highest paying City | Seattle, WA | Seattle, WA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Fitbit | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Technology | Insurance |
There are a few differences between a junior data analyst and a policy analyst in terms of educational background:
| Junior Data Analyst | Policy Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 73% | Bachelor's Degree, 65% |
| Most common major | Business | Political Science |
| Most common college | University of Pennsylvania | Northwestern University |
Here are the differences between junior data analysts' and policy analysts' demographics:
| Junior Data Analyst | Policy Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 54.6% Female, 45.4% | Male, 46.1% Female, 53.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.4% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 8.4% Asian, 14.2% White, 65.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 9.1% Asian, 12.1% White, 65.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 12% | 12% |