Data Analyst
Collect, process, and analyze data to help organizations make informed decisions. Create reports, dashboards, and visualizations that turn data into actionable insights.
What you need to know
Overview
Data analysts transform raw data into meaningful insights that drive business decisions. They work with databases, spreadsheets, and visualization tools to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities. Data analysts bridge the gap between data and decision-makers, making complex information accessible and actionable.
Every sector in Ireland employs data analysts - from tech giants in Dublin to healthcare providers, retail chains, and financial institutions across the country. The role offers an accessible entry point into data careers, with clear progression towards data science, business intelligence, or analytics management.
Specializations include Business Intelligence, Financial Analysis, Marketing Analytics, Operations Analytics, and Healthcare Analytics.
What do data analysts do?
Data analysts typically work standard office hours with growing flexibility for hybrid/remote work in Irish companies.
Some of the things a data analyst might do:
- Extract data from databases using SQL queries
- Clean and prepare data for analysis
- Analyze datasets to identify trends and patterns
- Create dashboards and visualizations (Tableau, Power BI)
- Prepare reports for stakeholders
- Monitor KPIs and business metrics
- Conduct A/B tests and statistical analysis
- Collaborate with teams to understand data needs
- Present findings to non-technical audiences
- Automate repetitive reporting tasks
What skills are needed?
Technical Skills
- • SQL for database queries
- • Microsoft Excel (advanced functions, pivot tables)
- • Python or R basics
- • Statistical analysis
- • Data cleaning techniques
Visualization Tools
- • Tableau or Power BI
- • Data visualization best practices
- • Dashboard design
- • Google Analytics
- • Reporting tools
Soft Skills
- • Communication and storytelling
- • Business acumen
- • Attention to detail
- • Critical thinking
- • Problem-solving
What is the pay?
Average Salary in Ireland
€32,000 - €55,000
Junior data analysts in Ireland earn €32,000-€38,000, mid-level analysts earn €40,000-€50,000, while senior data analysts command €52,000-€65,000. Analytics managers can earn €70,000+.
Salaries vary by industry (financial services pay highest), location (Dublin offers premium), company size, and specialization. Many positions include benefits like health insurance, pension matching, professional development budgets for certifications (Tableau, SQL), and flexible working arrangements.
What is the career outlook?
Job Growth in Ireland
Data analyst roles are among Ireland's fastest-growing positions, with over 1,200 openings advertised annually. The role offers excellent entry into data careers with strong progression opportunities.
Every sector needs data analysts - from healthcare (HSE) to retail (Dunnes, Tesco), tech (indeed, LinkedIn), banking (AIB, Bank of Ireland), and government departments. Remote work opportunities have expanded significantly.
Why the growth?
- • Data-driven decision making now standard
- • Digital transformation across industries
- • Increasing data availability
- • Need for business intelligence
- • Customer analytics demand
- • Accessible entry-level career path
What education is required?
Educational Pathways
Level 7/8 Degree
Business Analytics, Data Analytics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, or Business degrees from Irish universities or TUs. Level 7 often sufficient for entry roles.
Professional Certifications
Google Data Analytics Certificate, Microsoft Power BI certification, Tableau Desktop Specialist. These can supplement or sometimes substitute for formal degrees with strong portfolio.
Career Transition
Common transition from finance, marketing, operations roles. Online courses (Coursera, DataCamp) plus portfolio projects can enable career change.
Key Skills to Develop
- • SQL fundamentals
- • Excel advanced functions
- • Statistics basics
- • Tableau or Power BI
- • Python basics (pandas, matplotlib)
- • Data cleaning techniques
- • Visualization design principles
- • Business metrics understanding
- • Presentation skills
- • Domain knowledge (finance, marketing, etc.)
Ready to Start Your Data Analytics Journey?
Explore our resources and discover how to begin your career as a data analyst.
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