Do you have to be good at math to do data analysis?

Yes and no. While data analysts should have a foundational knowledge of statistics and mathematics, much of their work can be done without complex mathematics. Generally, though, data analysts should have a grasp of statistics, linear algebra, and calculus.

7 In-Demand Data Analyst Skills to Get You Hired in 2025

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Feb 14, 2025

Transitioning to a career in data analytics can mean stable employment in a high-paying industry once you have the right skills.

[Featured image] Two men sit in a living room, one working on data analysis on his laptop

Each year, there is more demand for data analysts and scientists than there are people with the right skills to fill those roles [1]. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of job openings for data professionals is expected to grow by 36 percent between 2023 and 2033, significantly higher than the four percent average job growth projected for all jobs in the country [2].

Building and strengthening your analytical skills is important as you set out on your career and later progress in it as a successful data analyst. In this article, we'll review seven essential data analyst skills. Afterward, if you're ready to build the skills needed for a data analyst role, consider enrolling in the Meta Data Analyst Professional Certificate.

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Meta Data Analyst

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7 data analyst skills

Let’s take a closer look at what they are and how you can start learning them.

1. SQL

Structured Query Language, or SQL, is the standard language used to communicate with databases. Knowing SQL lets you update, organize, and query data stored in relational databases and modify data structures (schema).

Since almost all data analysts need to use SQL to access data from a company’s database, it’s arguably the most important skill to learn to get a job. In fact, it’s common for data analyst interviews to include a technical screening with SQL. Luckily, SQL is one of the easier languages to learn.

Get fluent in SQL: With the Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python course from IBM, you'll learn how to construct basic- to intermediate-level SQL queries using DML commands.

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Databases and SQL for Data Science with Python

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2. Statistical programming

Statistical programming languages like R or Python enable you to perform advanced analyses in ways that Excel cannot. Being able to write programs in these languages means that you can clean, analyze, and visualize large data sets more efficiently.

Both languages are open source, and learning at least one is a good idea. There’s some debate over which language is better for data analysis. Both languages can accomplish similar data science tasks. While R was designed specifically for analytics, Python is the more popular of the two and tends to be an easier language to learn (especially if it’s your first).

Learn your first programming language: If you’ve never written code before, Python for Everybody from the University of Michigan is a good place to start. After writing your first simple program, you can start to build more complex programs used to collect, clean, analyze, and visualize data.

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Databases, Algorithms, Data Management, Data Analysis, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Problem Solving, Computer Networking, SQL, Critical Thinking, Xml, Database (DBMS), Json, Web Development, Software Engineering, Data Structures, Computer Programming Tools, Data Visualization, HTML and CSS, Python Programming, Python Syntax And Semantics, Basic Programming Language, Sqlite, Tuple, Data Structure, Web Scraping

3. Machine learning

Machine learning, a branch of artificial intelligence (AI), has become one of the most important developments in data science. This skill focuses on building algorithms designed to find patterns in big data sets, improving their accuracy over time.

The more data a machine learning algorithm processes, the “smarter” it becomes, allowing for more accurate predictions.

Data analysts aren’t generally expected to have a mastery of machine learning techniques. However, developing your machine learning skills could give you a competitive advantage and set you on a course for a future career as a data scientist.

Get started in machine learning: Andrew Ng’s Machine Learning Specialization from Stanford and DeepLearning.AI is one of the most highly-rated courses on Coursera. Learn about the best machine learning techniques and how to apply them to problems in this introductory class.

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Algorithms, Artificial Neural Network, Mathematics, Human Learning, Linear Regression, Machine Learning, Network Architecture, Artificial Neural Networks, Deep Learning, Critical Thinking, Recommender Systems, Network Model, Regression, Decision Trees, Applied Machine Learning, Machine Learning Algorithms, Logistic Regression, Python Programming, Advice for Model Development, Tensorflow, Tree Ensembles, Xgboost, Supervised Learning, Regularization to Avoid Overfitting, Logistic Regression for Classification, Gradient Descent, Collaborative Filtering, Anomaly Detection, Reinforcement Learning, Unsupervised Learning

4. Probability and statistics

Statistics refers to the field of math and science concerned with collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting data. That might sound familiar—it closely matches the description of what a data analyst does.

With a strong foundation in probability and statistics, you’ll be better able to:

Identify patterns and trends in the data
Avoid biases, fallacies, and logical errors in your analysis
Produce accurate and trustworthy results

Master modern statistical thinking: Explore foundational statistical concepts in the University of London's Probability and Statistics course from the University of London. Afterward, if you already have some programming knowledge, look into the Statistics with Python Specialization from the University of Michigan.

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5. Data management

Data management refers to the practices of collecting, organizing, and storing data efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively. While some organizations have roles dedicated to data management—data architects and engineers, database administrators, and information security analysts—data analysts often manage data in some capacity.

Different companies use different data management systems. As you’re developing your skill set, it can help to gain a broad understanding of how databases work, both in physical and cloud environments.

Learn data management: Build practical, hands-on skills using essential tools for data management in the IBM Data Management Professional Certificate.

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6. Statistical visualization

Gleaning insights from data is only one part of the data analysis process. Another fundamental part is telling a story with those insights to help inform better business decisions. That’s where data visualization comes in. As a data analyst, you'll use charts, graphs, maps, and other visual representations of data to help present your findings in an easy-to-understand way.

Improving your data visualization skills often means learning visualization software, like Tableau. This industry-standard piece of software empowers you to transform your analysis into dashboards, data models, visualizations, and business intelligence reports.

Learn to design dashboards and reports for powerful data visualization: You can gain hands-on experience with statistical analysis, Microsoft Power BI, and data analysis expressions (DAX) through Microsoft's Data Visualization Professional Certificate.

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7. Econometrics

With econometrics, analysts apply statistical and mathematical data models to the field of economics to help forecast future trends based on historical data. Understanding econometrics is key for data analysts looking for jobs in the financial sector, particularly at investment banks and hedge funds.

Practice econometrics: Learn how to analyze and solve business and economic questions with data analysis tools in Econometrics: Methods and Applications from Erasmus University Rotterdam.

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Tips for learning data analysis skills

Data analysts leverage these and other technical skills to help others make more informed decisions. Putting in the time and effort to learn these essential skills can set you up for a successful career as a data analyst. Here are a few quick tips for getting started:

Set aside time to regularly work on your skills
Learn from your mistakes
Practice with real data projects
Join an online data community
Build your skills bit by bit

If you’re ready to start building your skill set, explore more tips on how to rise to the challenge. Work with Excel and R to advance your data abilities in the IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R Professional Certificate.

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IBM Data Analytics with Excel and R

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Data Visualization (DataViz), Data Analysis, Data Science, IBM Cognos Analytics, Spreadsheet, Pivot Table, Data Visualization, Relational Databases (RDBMS), Dashboard, Microsoft Excel, R Programming, Computer Programming, Programming Principles, Data Structures, Computer Programming Tools, Statistical Programming, Data Analysis Software, General Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Pivot Charts, cognos analytics, Data Structure, Databases, Data Management, Exploratory Data Analysis, Linear Regression, Select (Sql), Spreadsheet Software, Python Programming, SQL

How to include data analyst skills on your resume

As you add new skills to your data analyst toolbox, be sure to update them on your resume as well. Include a “skills” section with a bulleted list of around five of your top data skills. If you list a skill on your resume, be prepared to discuss it in your interview.

It’s also a good idea to incorporate your skills in context. When you include data analysis projects or previous roles, try to include a sentence on how you used a particular skill to complete a task (e.g., “Wrote a Python script to scrape data using the official Twitter API” or “used Tableau to visualize product sales over time”).

Hear from practicing data professionals about what they think employers look for when hiring data analysts.

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Build your data analyst skills on Coursera

Data professionals need a dynamic mix of interpersonal and technical analytical skills. Start developing your data career with one of these online courses from industry leaders on Coursera:

To launch your career in data analytics, enroll in the Meta Data Analyst Professional Certificate. You'll learn how to use statistical analysis, including hypothesis testing, regression analysis, and more, to make data-driven decisions.

For data analysis and visualization, try the Microsoft Data Visualization Professional Certificate. Learn how to create data visualizations, build data models, and prepare and transform data sets in as little as three months.

To program and analyze data with Python, explore the University of Michigan's Python for Everybody Specialization. In this beginner-level program, you'll develop programs to gather, clean, analyze, and visualize data.

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