Median pay: $56,000
Top pay: $82,800
10-year job growth: 5%
Total jobs: 30,000
The job:
Facts and figures are the bread and butter of data analysts. They take raw input, study it, crunch it and turn it into information an organization can use. The information could be something as small as whether customers prefer raspberry yogurt over blueberry, or something as big as predicting which way an election will turn. Sophisticated computer programs do a lot of the legwork, but the results are nothing without the right mind to interpret them. Many analysts are hired one job at a time, allowing for a flexible schedule.
How to switch:
A knack for numbers is key, but so is the ability to communicate results. Spreadsheets and C++ computer programs are your main tools, so you’ll need to know them inside and out. The best data analysts focus on a particular field -- whether it's politics, marketing or economics -- so pick your specialty and go with it.
Quality of life ratings:
| Personal satisfaction |
Benefit to society |
Low stress |
Flexibility |
| B |
C |
C |
B |
By Donna Rosato and Tom Ziegler
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