Technology · Level D1
Data Analyst
Answers business questions with SQL, BI tools, and applied statistics. As AI automates dashboards and reporting, the role moves up the stack toward decision-support.
Indicative, sourced ranges — not a guarantee. BLS Operations Research Analysts (15-2031) nearest OEWS proxy - May 2024 (not yet refreshed to 2025 on O*NET): p25 $66,910 / p50 $91,290 / p75 $124,120; cross-checked Glassdoor 2026 avg $93.4k, Salary.com $97.7k, ZipRecruiter median $76.6k
Career Score
64/100 · StrongIndicative role rating — same inputs give the same score. It rates the role, not you, and never predicts an outcome.
Strong pay headroom above this role — the ladder keeps climbing.
Hiring demand is moderate.
Dashboards, reporting and anomaly-flagging are heavily automated by AI analytics; junior analyst tasks among the most exposed knowledge work. These tasks are automating — move up the scope ladder.
Moderate barrier to enter.
Long-term headroom above is high.
Work–life sustainability is high.
Explore & decide
The pay-vs-effort call, the routes in, and how it stacks up.
At a glance
AI & this role: Dashboards, reporting and anomaly-flagging are heavily automated by AI analytics; junior analyst tasks among the most exposed knowledge work. The move is to climb the scope ladder, not to fear the tool.
What differentiates you at this level
- SQL + data modelling
- BI/visualisation (Tableau/Looker/Power BI)
- Applied statistics and experiment reading
- ai-leverageMove up the stack: decision-support over report-building as AI automates dashboards
Where this leads — your highest-value routes
Ranked by pay ceiling. Progression is driven by scope and level transitions, not tenure.
Credentials that help
Credentials help entry and specialisation; they don't gate senior or leadership roles — scope does.
- CS / related bachelor's degree · $10k-$40k+/yr public in-state to private; highly variable
- Coding bootcamp (e.g. Hack Reactor, App Academy, Nucamp) · ~$13,584
See current US Data Analyst listings mapped to your level, in your metro.
Browse Data Analyst jobs →FAQ
Typical US total compensation is $79,000–$129,000 (median $102,000), indicative and metro-dependent — see the pay breakdown.
Dashboards, reporting and anomaly-flagging are heavily automated by AI analytics; junior analyst tasks among the most exposed knowledge work. The move is up the scope ladder, not away from AI.
The highest-value route is toward Director of Product (up to $555,000).