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What is a media analyst and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Andrew Gershoff Ph.D.

Every time you watch the news or a sports program, you hear product advertisements paid for by businesses. But how effective are these mentions? That's the job of a media analyst. They analyze media coverage and examine the impact of brand advertisements.

Media analysts work with media buyers, coordinators, and even news networks. Their role involves using statistical models to understand data and how they relate to each other. They also make recommendations based on their findings.

For example, a media analyst may decide that a business will gain the most coverage from advertising on the morning news instead of the evening news, based on the demography watching and their state of mind.

To become a media analyst, you'll need a bachelor's degree in marketing. It also helps to be media savvy and up to date on the latest advertising trends. Finally, you'll need skills like detail orientation and analysis.

What general advice would you give to a media analyst?

Andrew Gershoff Ph.D.Andrew Gershoff Ph.D. LinkedIn profile

Department Chair, The University of Texas at Austin

First, graduates may find that they need to do more leg work to find jobs in this environment. Schools with career services often have long-term relationships with the same businesses, who tend to hire multiple students in any given year. If one sector falls apart, there may be fewer jobs available at the career center. But students should take advantage of any services that help them understand the jobs in the marketplace, develop their resumes, and practice interviewing.

Second, students should try to think more broadly about following their interests and still finding employment. So taking some time to learn about career paths that they hadn't considered is worth doing. Many jobs rely on similar skills and may offer similar fulfillment and happiness.

Third, students should be ready to explore possibilities at companies they may not have heard of. Now, is an excellent time to look at companies that may only have a few jobs to offer, but may be doing some of the most exciting things a student can be part of. Finding a good fit is essential to happiness in a career, which may not be at a "name brand" firm.

Finally, students should keep in mind that their journey is their own. It is easy to discourage if you are having a difficult time, and your peers find success. But it can be freeing to focus on developing new knowledge and skills that interest you. Your success will come, and it doesn't have to be defined by someone else.
ScoreMedia AnalystUS Average
Salary
5.0

Avg. Salary $63,956

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.9

Growth rate 19%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
3.0
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.13%

Asian 14.09%

Black or African American 4.70%

Hispanic or Latino 11.18%

Unknown 4.88%

White 65.02%

Gender

female 47.49%

male 52.51%

Age - 34
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 - 34
Stress level
4.9

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.6

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

Media analyst career paths

Key steps to become a media analyst

  1. Explore media analyst education requirements

    Most common media analyst degrees

    Bachelor's

    76.3 %

    Master's

    13.5 %

    Associate

    6.0 %
  2. Start to develop specific media analyst skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Digital Marketing9.26%
    Google Analytics6.74%
    Media Management5.77%
    Social Media Management5.51%
    Tableau4.71%
  3. Complete relevant media analyst training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New media analysts learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a media analyst based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real media analyst resumes.
  4. Research media analyst duties and responsibilities

    • Create, manage, and optimize PPC campaigns for clients.
    • Manage layout and design of ASUCLA Tumblr blog and gallery.
    • Manage promotion process with merchandising, copywriting and design groups to develop compelling offers for online and print advertising.
    • Manage and create KPIs to measure the success of campaigns and effectively communicate the progress and strategy to senior leadership.
  5. Prepare your media analyst resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your media analyst resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a media analyst resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable media analyst resume templates

    Build a professional media analyst resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your media analyst resume.
    Media Analyst Resume
    Media Analyst Resume
    Media Analyst Resume
    Media Analyst Resume
    Media Analyst Resume
    Media Analyst Resume
    Media Analyst Resume
    Media Analyst Resume
    Media Analyst Resume
  6. Apply for media analyst jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a media analyst job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first media analyst job

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Average media analyst salary

The average media analyst salary in the United States is $63,956 per year or $31 per hour. Media analyst salaries range between $47,000 and $86,000 per year.

Average media analyst salary
$63,956 Yearly
$30.75 hourly

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A zippia user wrote a review on Feb 2019
Cons

Lots of sitting.


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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