Data Analyst Job Description [+ Template]: Tips on Hiring

When there’s something in your company that you know needs to be doing better but don’t know where to start, you could need a data analyst. We’ve been there.

But to attract the right one, you need to know how to write a killer job description.

Here’s how to write a data analyst job description (with a free template) and our tips on hiring the right one for your company.

What Does a Data Analyst Do?

A data analyst collects data points from various sources within a business’s functions, analyzes that data, and strategizes a plan of action based on their findings.

A few of the key components of a data analyst’s job include:

• Data collection and management
• Data cleaning and pre-processing
• Statistical analysis and interpretation to provide clear, actionable insights
• Report generation and visualization for clients
• Problem-solving and decision-making support
• Cross-team communication and collaboration

When to Hire a Data Analyst

A data analyst can be useful at any stage for any business across multiple industries.

Though their services are useful no matter what business you’re in, here are a few specific examples of times you may want to consider hiring a data analyst:

• Increasing volume and complexity of data
• Growing and scaling your business
• Need for data-driven decision making
• Understanding customer and market trends
• Improving business performance and efficiency
• You’ve invested in gathering more data but don’t know what to do with it

What to Look for in a Data Analyst

Consider these skills, qualifications, and characteristics when looking for a data analyst.

Data Analyst Skills

Here are some of the skills a data analyst should have:

• Data visualization
• Data cleaning and preparation
• Machine learning
• Excel spreadsheets
• Data analysis
• Programming skills (Python, R, Java, Scala, MATLAB)
• SQL and NoSQL
• Analytical skills

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Qualifications for a Data Analyst

There are a few qualifications you may be looking for a few qualifications in your data analyst.

For example:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A degree in computer science, statistics, information technology, or related field of study.
• Experience with Data Management: Experience in managing large datasets and understanding database management concepts.
• Certifications: Google Data Analytics, Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst,  Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), Excel Data Analyst Certification, and more.
• Previous Experience: Experience in data analysis or similar roles previously.

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Data Analyst Characteristics

There are a few characteristics and soft skills that the best data analysts have.

• Analytical Mindset: Analysis is in the title. A data analyst needs to be able to analyze complex data.
• Attention to Detail: Data analysis requires a keen eye for detail, as even the smallest inaccuracies can cause the data analysis to be incorrect.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Data analysis requires a lot of troubleshooting and working around technical issues.
• Critical Thinking: Questioning assumptions and thinking critically are essential for accurate data analysis.
• Team Work: Data analysts often work on account-based marketing teams and need to be able to communicate and collaborate effectively.
• Time Management Skills: Since data analysts often work on multiple projects at once and must balance working on multiple data sets, time management skills are essential.

How to Write a Data Analyst Job Description + Example/Template

A high-quality job description is the key to finding a high-quality data analyst.

Here are the essential things to include in your data analyst job description.

Check out our list of interview questions to ask a data analyst.

Company Introduction

First, introduce yourself and your company. Give candidates a quick overview of what your company is all about in 2 to 3 sentences so that they can determine if they may be a good fit for your company culture.

Job Description

Briefly describe the key responsibilities of the data analyst position you’re hiring for and general expectations.

Template

At [Company Name], a leader in [Industry/Field], we are seeking a Data Analyst to interpret data and turn it into information for improved business decisions. Your role will involve full lifecycle analysis, developing reporting capabilities, and enhancing data quality and efficiency. With a strong analytical mindset and proficiency in data analysis tools, you'll contribute significantly to our mission of [Company's Mission/Goal] in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Responsibilities

To help data analysts get an idea of what their day-to-day in the position will look like, list the responsibilities of the job in a bulleted list.

• Data cleaning and processing
• Collaborate with project managers and team members
• Create, update, and manage existing data reporting systems
• Develop reporting and dashboards
• Provide technical support to other data analysts and management
• Defines company data models, spark, sparkSQL, and hiveSQL jobs to populate data models
• Analyze problems to identify root causes and create solutions
• Add any other core responsibilities for the job

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Skills

Here are some skills you need to list in your job description for a data analyst:

• Proficiency in SQL and database management.
• Advanced Excel and data visualization skills.
• Strong statistical analysis and interpretation.
• Proficient in Python or R programming.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Effective communication and presentation abilities.
• Knowledge of machine learning techniques.
• Specify any other skills relevant to the job, including knowledge of tools or financial principles

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Qualifications

Last but not least, you need to list the qualifications required for this position.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, statistics, or related field of study
• 3 years of experience in data analysis or related occupations
• Certifications in Microsoft, Google, Certified Analytics Professional, etc
• Experience in your specific industry
• Add any other qualifications necessary for the role

Data Analyst Rates

Data analyst rates vary depending on what their specialty is, their level of experience, what industry they’re working in, and how much work is required of them.

Their hourly rates are generally between $20 and $60 per hour, with the average hourly rate landing around $30.

The Best Place to Hire a Data Analyst

In our experience, Toptal is the best place to hire a data analyst.

They seriously vet their talent, hiring only the top 3% of data analysts. They also take a personalized approach to finding you your dream data analyst, ensuring they’re not only highly skilled but also a good personality fit for your company culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Data Analyst do?

A data analyst cleans and prepares data, creates databases and systems, and analyzes that data to create strategies to optimize business processes and performance.

What are things to include in a Data Analyst job description?

Things to include in a data analyst job description include a company introduction, an outline of the responsibilities of the position, a list of required skills and proficiencies, and any important qualifications you need from your data analyst.

Where can I find a Data Analyst?

You can find a data analyst on a vetted site like Toptal, a marketing agency, or a freelancing platform like Upwork and Fiverr.

How much does it cost to hire a Data Analyst?

Hiring a data analyst costs anywhere from $20 to $60 per hour on average.

Is a Data Analyst worth it?

Yes, a data analyst is worth it if you want to scale your company or maximize business performance with data-backed marketing strategies.