The field of data analytics is the set of techniques used to analyze raw data (unprocessed data) in order to extract relevant information, trends, and insights. This process includes collecting data, organizing it, and storing it, then performing statistical analysis on the data. Once the information is collected, conclusions can be drawn from it, which can be presented visually to both those working within an organization as well as to external stakeholders, who can then apply it to problem-solving, business processing, decision-making, and predictions that can inform what a company’s next steps should be. This process relies on disciplines like mathematics, statistics, and computer programming.
The data explosion in recent years has led to a corresponding need for businesses and organizations to communicate information in a way that’s accessible and engaging. Visual content is becoming an increasingly popular means for sharing data, since the human mind is designed to process information visually.
The field of data visualization relies on visual representations like graphs or charts to convey raw data. Presenting data in a visual manner makes it easier to understand and faster to process, even for those who aren’t mathematically inclined or trained in analytics. Each visual data representation tells a story about the data that is not as easy to spot when staring at a set of numbers, and can lead to more informed business decisions and favorable outcomes.
There are many different kinds of data visualizations, such as maps, histograms, scatter plots, and pie charts. Those who know how to present information in visually engaging stories have the power to help make sense of past events, provide insights on current trends, and offer predictions for the future. These individuals play an important role at many organizations around the country.
In 2021, data visualization is a hot field. In the US, the average salary for those with a background in data visualization is $99K, though pay rates can be much higher for Data Analysts who have specialized industry training or years of experience working with and visualizing data.
This article will explore seven of the highest-paying careers available in data visualization in 2021, as well as the basic responsibilities of each position.
Top 7 Data Visualization Careers in 2021
The following are seven of the most in-demand, highest-paying jobs involving data visualization for 2021:
- Data Visualization Engineer (National average salary - $101K). Data Visualization Engineers transform extremely complicated data into information that’s accessible to everyone. They incorporate various data visualization tools to create, develop, and maintain engaging dashboards and data visualizations that present data from different sources. These Engineers rely on descriptive statistics, graphic design, and data analytics to form a snapshot of what a large dataset represents and what it means to the company.
- Analytics Manager (National average salary - $99K). Analytics Managers are tasked with overseeing a team of Data Analysts and data professionals to guarantee that all stages of the analytics process go smoothly, from data collection to interpretation to visualization. They evaluate the work of team members at different times during a project and offer guidance to make sure the team adheres to the specified timeline.
- Data Visualization Consultant (National average salary - $107K). Data Visualization Consultants perform a variety of tasks for a company or business. Their various roles depend on the project at hand, as well as the employer’s needs, but typically pertain to helping the organization to get a better handle on its data in order to extract more useful insights, find answers to looming business questions, and ultimately make better decisions. These consultants can have the necessary training to step in and help a business connect to data, explore the data, and analyze it. They also select the best form of visualization to convey insights to a larger audience.
- Business Intelligence Developer (National average salary - $94K). Business Intelligence Developers work to create programs and storage systems that can be used to automate data gathering, cleaning, and visualizing. They are also involved with the data inventory process, which is crucial for guaranteeing that all data storage systems are not just secure but able to manage the often large amounts of information the company may need to create visualizations and reports.
- Data Visualization Developer(National average salary - $121K). A Data Visualization Developers’ primary duties pertain to making data visualizations that clearly and creatively depict trends, patterns, and correlations within a dataset. They use software to create dashboards that are able to display information, execute data analysis and modeling, and create reports to showcase the insights they uncover. Often, their results are presented in the form of data maps, interactive data interfaces, charts, infographics, or graphs.
- Data Visualization Designer (National average salary - $121K). Data Visualization Designers are involved with all stages of the data visualization process. They typically begin by analyzing and formatting data. Then, they use data visualization tools to present a specific story about the data to their intended audience. This helps their organization solve both internal and external challenges, and can take the form of charts, diagrams, maps, or infographics.
- Director of Analytics (National average salary - $157K). A Director of Analytics is one of the highest-paying positions available in 2021 for those working with data visualization. They manage both the data warehousing and data analytics departments within a company. Their daily tasks involve making sure their department is performing tasks that are best suited to helping the company reach its goals. They initiate research to devise strategies that can be implemented to help the company’s analytics perform better. In addition, a Director of Analytics collaborates regularly with the company’s senior leadership about data capabilities, as well as the best software and data visualization tools that can be used to improve the data analytics process. By staying abreast of industry trends, they are able to use this information to help their company meet and even exceed expectations.
For those who are interested in working in the field of data analytics, there are many high-paying jobs available that extend beyond data visualization. As more data is created and processed, the need for skilled Data Analysts with training in data visualization is expected to continue to increase in the coming years.
Hands-On Data Visualization Classes
Do you want to learn how to create informative and engaging data visualizations? Noble Desktop’s Tableau classes are offered in-person in Manhattan, as well as in the live online setting. Noble also offers a Power BI Bootcamp, a class for those who want to master the art of creating dynamic data visualizations that can be used in business or intelligence reports.
Noble Desktop’s data analytics classes provide hands-on training for learners who wish to improve their skills in handling big data. These courses cover topics like Python, SQL, Excel, and data science. For students who are most comfortable learning in the virtual format, other providers also offer live online data visualization courses. These online classes prepare participants to process, organize, visualize, and present data in a professional setting.
If you want to find a data visualization class in your area, check out Noble’s Data Visualization Classes Near Me tool. This tool provides an easy way to locate and browse more than 200 data visualization classes currently offered in in-person and live online formats.