Data is currently the most valuable resource, and analysts are the ones who make the most of it. Analysts are professionals who use data to find solutions, improve outcomes, and discover new possibilities for various fields and sectors. They are highly sought-after in 2024, as the world relies more on data and faces more challenges.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the number of analysts will increase by 14% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all jobs.
In this article, I’ll highlight some of the most in-demand analyst positions and the skills and qualifications required for them.
Investment Analyst
Investment analysts are financial experts who keep track of market trends, economic conditions, and industry developments. They use their knowledge and skills to identify risks and opportunities in various investment scenarios. They also communicate their findings and recommendations to their clients and stakeholders.
Investment analysts are highly sought-after in 2024, as the global financial market faces more challenges and competition. To succeed in this role, you need to have strong analytical, quantitative, and communication skills. You also need to be familiar with financial modeling, accounting, and economics. Moreover, you need to be able to use software tools such as Excel, Python, R, and SQL to work with and analyze data.
Investment analysts can earn a good income in this field, the average salary of an investment analyst in the US is $76,163 per year, with a range of $48,000 to $128,000.
Business Intelligence Analyst
They are skilled professionals who collect, process, and analyze data from different sources to find answers and solutions for business challenges and goals. They use data visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI to make data easy to understand and act on. They create reports, dashboards, and charts that show how the business is performing and where it can improve. They also work with other teams and departments to apply data-driven strategies and initiatives.
Business intelligence analysts are highly sought-after in 2024, as businesses need to use data to stay ahead of the competition and optimize their operations. If you are considering this profession you need to have a strong analytical, technical, and communication skills, as well as a good understanding of business processes, domains, and objectives. You are also required to be proficient at using software tools like SQL, Python, R, and Excel to manipulate and break down data.
A business intelligence analyst in the US earns an average of $68,346 per year, with a salary range of $46,000 to $107,000.
Supply Chain Analyst
A supply chain analyst is a logistics expert who helps businesses optimize their supply chain performance. They use data to track and measure how well goods and services are delivered from suppliers to customers. They also look for opportunities to improve quality, efficiency, and profitability. They work on various aspects of the supply chain, such as sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and inventory.
Supply chain analysts are highly in demand n 2024, as the global supply chain faces new challenges and opportunities. If you’re considering this role you’ll have to deal with increasing complexity, volatility, and uncertainty in the market. You need to have strong skills in analysis, problem-solving, and communication, as well as knowledge of supply chain management, operations research, and statistics. You also need to be skilled in using software tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, and R to model and analyze data.
The average salary of a supply chain analyst in the US is $57,600 per year, with a range of $50,000 to $85,000.
Treasury Analyst
A treasury analyst is a financial expert who handles the cash flow and liquidity of an organization. They use data to predict and plan how much money comes in and goes out, and how to borrow and invest wisely. They also keep an eye on the financial risks and exposures, such as interest rate, currency, and credit risks. They check that the organization obeys the money rules. Treasury analysts are in high demand in 2024, because the world economy is more unstable and interconnected.
If you’re looking to be one you need to have sharp analytical, numerical, and communication skills, as well as knowledge of financial markets, instruments, and accounting. You also need to be skilled in using software tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, and R to analyze and present data.
The average salary of a treasury analyst in the US is $60,674 per year, with a range of $46,000 to $87,000. That’s a pretty good income for a rewarding and challenging career.
Operation Analyst
An operation analyst is someone who helps an organization run more smoothly and efficiently by using data to assess and enhance various aspects of its operations, such as how it produces goods, delivers services, supports customers, and manages employees. An operation analyst also finds and applies the best practices and solutions that can improve the organization’s performance and customer satisfaction.
Operation analysts are highly sought-after in 2024, as they can help businesses adapt and innovate their operations to keep up with the evolving demands and expectations of customers and stakeholders. To succeed as an operation analyst, you need to have strong skills in analysis, problem-solving, and communication, as well as a good understanding of the business operations, domains, and objectives. You also need to be able to use software tools such as Excel, SQL, Python, and R to manipulate and visualize data.
As an operation analyst, you can expect to earn a decent salary in the US. The average annual salary of an operation analyst is $54,346, with a range of $37,000 to $82,000.
Geographic Information systems Analysts
A GIS analyst is someone who uses geographic information systems (GIS) to collect, process, and analyze spatial data. They use data to make and update maps, models, and applications that show and explain the spatial patterns and relationships of various things, such as people, climate, land, and resources.
They also help different domains and industries, such as urban planning, environmental management, public health, and disaster response, to find insights and solutions based on spatial data.
GIS analysts are highly needed in 2024, as the world becomes more interested and worried about the spatial aspects and impacts of various issues and challenges. To be a good GIS analyst, you need to have strong skills in analysis, technology, and communication, as well as knowledge of geography, cartography, and statistics. You also need to know how to use software tools such as ArcGIS, QGIS, Python, and R to work with and analyze spatial data.
As a GIS analyst, you can expect to earn a good salary in the US. The average yearly salary of a GIS analyst is $51,540, with a range of $36,000 to $76,000.
Software quality assurance Analyst
A software quality assurance analyst is someone who uses data to check and evaluate the quality and functionality of software products and applications.
They use data to create and run test cases, scenarios, and scripts to find and report bugs, errors, and defects. They also make sure that the software meets the requirements, specifications, and standards. They also work with software developers and engineers to ensure the software quality and performance.
Software quality assurance analysts are highly needed in 2024, as the software industry becomes more challenging and complex.
To be a good software quality assurance analyst, you need to have strong skills in analysis, technology, and communication, as well as knowledge of software development, testing, and quality assurance methods and frameworks. You also need to know how to use software tools such as Selenium, Jira, Python, and SQL to automate and document testing and analysis.
As a software quality assurance analyst, you can expect to earn a good salary in the US. The average yearly salary of a software quality assurance analyst is $57,978, with a range of $40,000 to $86,000.
Security Analyst
A security analyst is someone who uses data to track and analyze the security incidents and events, such as malware, phishing, denial-of-service, and data breaches. They also set up and maintain the security policies, procedures, and tools to avoid and reduce security risks and vulnerabilities. They also deal with and recover from security incidents and breaches.
Security analysts are highly sought-after in 2024, as the cyberthreat landscape becomes more complex and dangerous. To succeed as a security analyst, you need to have strong skills in analysis, technology, and communication, as well as knowledge of cybersecurity, information technology, and computer science. You also need to know how to use software tools such as Python, SQL, Linux, and Wireshark to do security analysis and forensics.
As a security analyst, you can expect to earn a good salary in the US. The average yearly salary of a security analyst is $76,410, with a range of $49,000 to $117,000.
