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Data Analyst

Data analysts identify and communicate trends in data using statistics and specialised software to help organisations achieve their business aims.

This profile is abridged from the CareersNZ website

Visit CareersNZ for the detailed profile

Pay per year

Analyst
$90k-$120k

Scientist
$110k -$170k

Job opportunities

Good
Due to strong demand

What you'll do

Data analysts may do some or all of the following: 

  • Find out what information clients need to make good business decisions 
  • Gather or choose data for analysis 
  • Ensure the data is reliable 
  • Identify trends and patterns within data 
  • Interpret numbers to gain business insights 
  • Create written or visual reports

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a data analyst. However, employers usually prefer you to have a diploma or degree in a subject that requires statistical, business and analytical skills, such as: 

  • Business information systems 
  • Computer science 
  • Information management 
  • Economics 
  • Maths or statistics

For more information about your study options see: Areas of specialisation: Business

Personal requirements

Data analysts need to be: 

  • Highly analytical 
  • Curious and detail-oriented 
  • Good at problem solving 
  • Creative thinkers 
  • Good communicators

What are the chances of getting a job?

Demand for data analysts is strong due to: 

  • Organisations collecting large amounts of digital data 
  • The need to make sense of this data so that organisations can gain insights and make sound decisions. 
  • Developer programmer, database administrator, ICT business analyst and systems analyst appear on Immigration New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list. This means the Government is actively encouraging skilled data analysts from overseas to work in New Zealand. 

Employers of data analysts include: 

  • Tertiary institutions 
  • Retail, marketing and finance companies 
  • Pharmaceutical and telecommunications companies 
  • Government and public sector organisations
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This information is a guide only. Last updated 11 September 2023.