Sector

Data & Analytics Services Careers

Data and analytics services help organizations understand and use their data. Remote-friendly work with moderate credentials and growing demand.

477K
U.S. jobs
In this sector
$87K
Median salary
Across all roles
Understanding this Sector
What it's like to work in Data & Analytics Services

Data and analytics services turn information into insight — there's satisfaction in finding patterns, informing decisions, and making data useful. Many find meaning in the detective work of analysis.

The challenge can come from data quality and communicating findings. Real-world data is messy; cleaning takes time. Stakeholders want simple answers from complex data. Tool proliferation requires constant learning. Competition from internal analytics teams exists.

The field varies by specialization and model. Consulting differs from embedded analytics, market research, or data platforms. Advanced analytics differs from business intelligence or reporting. Large firms differ from specialized boutiques.

For those who thrive here, the rewards are substantial: intellectual challenge, growing demand, strong compensation, and insight generation. If you enjoy working with data, can translate findings to business terms, and want analytics careers, data services offers excellent opportunities.

How people break in

Analyst positions require quantitative skills. Data engineering requires programming. Business understanding develops with experience. Communication skills matter for client-facing roles.

Work environment tends toward
Technical analysisBusiness communicationCross-industry applicationTool proficiencyInsight delivery
Industries it connects to
Salary vs. national average
+23%
$87K median vs. $71K national
$239K$179K$119K$60K$0K$17K$38K$150K$239K*387 metro areas across 50 states, sorted by salary level →
Salary range across all data & analytics services roles
Where your dollar goes furthest
1. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara$94K
2. Boulder$80K
3. Washington-Arlington-Alexandria$77K
4. Trenton-Princeton$71K
5. Durham-Chapel Hill$71K
BLS OEWS May 2024
* Top salaries exceed this figure. BLS caps reported wages at ~$240K to protect individual privacy in high-earning roles.

Median salaries range from ~$73K in mid-market metros to ~$107K in top-tier cities. But cost of living closes a lot of that gap — metros with lower regional price parities often offer the best purchasing power.

Highest paying
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara · $107K
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont · $90K
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria · $83K
Best purchasing power
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara · $94K adj.
Boulder · $80K adj.
Washington-Arlington-Alexandria · $77K adj.
Most jobs
New York · 21.1M
Los Angeles · 13.7M
Chicago · 10.3M
BLS OEWS May 2024 · BEA Regional Price Parities

What the data says about this sector

Beyond salary and job counts — signals that shape the day-to-day experience of working in Data & Analytics Services.

🚪
Annual Quit Rate
Based on all Technology & Information data
16%
People tend to stay in Technology & Information. Lower turnover often indicates better working conditions or higher switching costs.
6%vs. 22% all industries
🏢
Typical Employer Size
Small-skewed
Small businesses dominate. More variety in roles but less formal structure and benefits.
88%
Small
<50
9%
Mid
50–249
3%
Large
250+
🏠
Remote / Hybrid Prevalence
Remote-friendly
Many roles can be done remotely. Location flexibility is a realistic expectation.
Mostly on-siteHybrid commonRemote-first
📋
Credential Density
Moderate
Most roles don't require formal credentials. Skills and experience matter more than certificates.
Few credentialsSome requiredMany required
🤝
Union Presence
Based on all Technology & Information data
~6%
Minimal union coverage means compensation is individually negotiated. Know your market rate going in.
6%vs. 11% all industries
BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS QCEW 2024 · O*NET Work Context · BLS Union Members Summary 2024

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FAQ

Common questions about Data & Analytics Services careers

What kinds of roles exist in Data & Analytics Services?

This industry covers data engineering, analytics, and data science. Roles range from data warehouse engineers and machine learning engineers to reporting analysts and competitive intelligence specialists. Many positions sit at the intersection of statistics, software engineering, and business strategy.

How many people work in Data & Analytics Services?

Industry employment is estimated at around 477,100 people. The sector has grown rapidly as organizations across every industry invest heavily in data infrastructure and analytical capabilities.

What does pay look like in this industry?

The median annual salary is approximately $86,980, which is well above the national median. Specialized roles like machine learning engineers, data architects, and statistical programmers often earn considerably more.

Is turnover common in Data & Analytics?

Monthly quit rates in this sector run around 1.40%. Demand for data skills remains strong, which can lead to job-hopping for better compensation, but many data roles also offer career depth that encourages staying put.

How do people typically enter Data & Analytics Services?

Many analysts start with a background in statistics, computer science, or economics, often supplemented by tools like Python, SQL, or R. Entry-level roles like reporting analyst or data specialist are common starting points before moving into engineering or leadership tracks.

Your job belongs to your employer.
Your career belongs to you.

See how truest works
For people who want to build a meaningful career.truest.me
Federal data: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (May 2024) · BLS JOLTS 2024 · BLS QCEW 2024 · O*NET Work Context · BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034
Truest editorial: Industry narrative, sector context, career track mapping, working signals analysis.

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