Data Analyst vs. Data Scientist: Explore the Differences

Both of these professionals work with data and various technological tools. However, data analysts typically work with structured data and have a business purpose, whereas data scientists work with raw data, develop algorithms and have a forward-looking objective.¹

There are plenty of technology-related careers to consider as you think about what you want your future to look like. First, you can start narrowing down your career options by taking a closer look at the differences between data analysts vs. data scientists, such as their differing roles and responsibilities, essential skills needed and career pathways.

In this Article:

• What’s the Difference Between a Data Analyst and Data Scientist?
• Which Industries Hire Data Analysts and Scientists?
• Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
• Earn Your Tech Degree at GCU

What’s the Difference Between a Data Analyst and Data Scientist?

The terms data analyst and data scientist may sometimes be used interchangeably, but they are not the same type of professional. The main difference between a data analyst and a data scientist is that an analyst combs through existing, structured data in order to identify patterns, whereas a data scientist applies advanced techniques and technologies to raw data in order to build predictive models and discover solutions to complex problems.

Take a closer look at the roles and responsibilities of a data scientist vs. data analyst.

What Is a Data Analyst?

In other words, data analysts typically explore data sets to identify trends and generate insights based on those findings. Their goal is to use those insights to solve business problems, such as determining how much inventory to keep in stock or how to competitively price a new product.

Some of the typical responsibilities of a data analyst can include:

• Identifying the organization's needs and objectives
• Sourcing data from various sources, either primary or secondary
• Analyzing the data to identify patterns and generate insights
• Compiling reports, charts and graphs to present the findings

What Is a Data Scientist?

Data scientists use advanced technological skills and often work with vast data sets, referred to as “big data.” They work with computer modeling and machine learning algorithms, and they can develop predictive modeling processes that may analyze either structured or unstructured data. 

Some of the responsibilities of a data scientist may include:

• Compiling, cleaning up and organizing raw data
• Developing machine learning algorithms and models to analyze large data sets
• Creating technological tools and processes to evaluate the accuracy of the data
• Building dashboards and data visualization tools

Essential Skills for These Professionals

There is some overlap in the technical and soft skills required for a data analyst vs. data scientist, but in general, the two professionals rely on different skills. For example, a data analyst must have knowledge of foundational math and basic statistics, whereas a data scientist needs to know advanced statistics, as well as predictive analytics.¹

Other skills a data analyst needs include:¹

• Python, SQL and R programming skills
• Data visualization
• Analytical thinking
• Business intelligence software proficiency

Some of the skills a data scientist relies on include:¹

• Advanced object-oriented programming
• Machine learning knowledge
• Data modeling skills
• Knowledge of software and tools like Spark, TensorFlow and Hadoop

Data Scientist vs. Data Analyst: Career Pathway

When comparing a data analyst to a data scientist, there are some differences in their respective career pathways. A data analyst is typically expected to have a bachelor’s degree, although the major can vary. Common majors for data analysts include computer science, statistics and math. However, computer science is highly recommended because data analysts are expected to be able to use computer programming languages.² 

Aspiring data analysts can also benefit from gaining some work experience by searching for relevant internships in the field. It’s also common for them to undergo a period of on-the-job training when they start working in a data analyst role. A data analyst might later decide to earn various professional certifications.²

The typical data scientist career path is slightly longer than that of the data analyst. Starting in high school, future data scientists can benefit from taking as many math classes as possible, particularly calculus, statistics and probability.³

Aspiring data scientists should then earn a bachelor’s degree in a field such as math, statistics, engineering, business or computer science.

Unlike data analysts, data scientists are also commonly expected to have a graduate degree,³ such as a master’s in data science or doctorate in data science. Some data scientists may also have work experience pertaining to the industry they are working on. For example, a data scientist who works for an asset management company might previously have worked in the finance industry in a role other than data scientist.³

Are you still not quite sure whether you want to become a data analyst or a data scientist? Because both careers can benefit from a degree in computer science,^2,3 you could enroll in a bachelor’s degree program now while continuing to think about which role might suit you best. A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Big Data Analytics degree program could be a good fit.

Which Industries Hire Data Analysts and Scientists?

If you’re trying to decide between a career as a data scientist vs. data analyst, it can be helpful to take a look at the types of industries in which these professionals might work.

Data analysts are often hired by the following industries:

• Finance
• Business intelligence
• Healthcare
• Entertainment
• Sharing economy services (e.g., ridesharing apps)

Some of the top industries hiring data scientists include the following:

• Computer systems design
• Data analyst related computer services
• Insurance carriers
• Scientific and technical consulting services
• Scientific research and development services

Job Outlook and Salary Expectations

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the agency responsible for tracking employment data in the United States, as well as making job growth projections. Although the BLS doesn’t offer data specific to data analysts, it may be helpful to know that the role of the data scientist is sometimes perceived as the more advanced version of the data analyst.¹ That is, a data analyst might decide to work their way up to the role of data scientist.

According to the BLS, data scientists earned a median annual salary of $108,020 as of May 2023.⁶ It’s possible that data analysts earned somewhat less than this, given that data scientists hold a more advanced role than analysts.¹

The BLS states that the projected job growth rate for data scientists is 36%, much faster than average, from 2023 through 2033. This indicates that employers expect to hire about 73,100 new data scientists during this time period.⁷

Earn Your Tech Degree at GCU

Grand Canyon University offers a diverse selection of STEM degrees for students who enjoy working with computers and data. Start your postsecondary education by earning a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with an Emphasis in Big Data Analytics, which teaches object-oriented programming, algorithms, data structures, big data processing and much more. If you aspire to pursue potential career advancement, apply for enrollment to the Master of Science in Data Science degree, which explores advanced competencies in machine learning operations, data modeling and data visualizations.

Get started today by filling out the form on this page to request a consultation with a university counselor.