Is Data Quality Analyst a Good Career?

Successful organizations rely on quality data to make day-to-day and long-term decisions. Not all data sets are created equally and poor processes can lead to wasted resources. Three-quarters of respondents to a Forrester Consulting survey reported data volume increases over three years, while 42% reported no change or decreases in data quality. 

Data quality analysts create processes and standards for getting the most out of their data. Their work makes it possible for organizations to stay competitive in a fast-moving marketplace. They also solve data quality problems that cost large organizations an average of $12.9 million annually. These factors contribute to a strong career outlook for specialists who know data quality tools and standards.

 

What Do Data Quality Analysts Do?

Businesses, governments and non-profits increasingly rely on data for more efficient and effective decision-making. Data analysts are responsible for turning data sets into actionable insights related to new products, budgets and investments. These insights aren’t possible without the work done by data quality analysts.

 

Data Quality Practices

The mission of every data quality analyst is to minimize poor quality data from advancing beyond their team. Analysts deploy specialized software or design their own data quality tools for turning raw data into reliable resources. Common data quality problems faced by organizations of all sizes include:

• Missing or invalid values
• Incorrect data types in category
• Duplicate values
• Inconsistent formatting

Data quality analysts can use SQL, Python assert statements or R Assertr to validate data consistency. Automation tools on the market make it possible to profile massive amounts of data. Quality analysts adapt their solutions based on data types and organizational needs.

 

Data Quality Standards

Data quality analysts conduct root cause analyses to prevent data-related problems from happening in the future. This analysis extends beyond symptoms to the human or technical sources of quality issues. Organizations use the results of these analyses and the following six dimensions of data quality to set standards:

• Accuracy
• Completeness
• Consistency
• Timeliness
• Uniqueness
• Validity

A case study involving the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) shows why the work done by data quality analysts is so essential. FMCSA introduced a data quality framework to align results of state inspections of commercial trucks and buses with federal data. This framework includes monthly grades of state data quality and a new tool for reporting incomplete data. These data quality tools produce reliable and timely information for safer roadways across the country.

 

Career Outlook and Salary for Data Quality Analysts

There isn’t reliable data on job growth or salary for data quality analysts, but we can use data-related professionals for a broader outlook. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects job growth in the following data-centric jobs far above the 5% growth expected for all occupations by 2031:

• Data science (36%)
• Operations research analysts (23%) 
• Database architect (10%)

The continued growth in organizational reliance on data-driven insights means future opportunities for data quality analysts. These opportunities will likely take place in industries heavily reliant on data including finance, health care, information technology and manufacturing.

Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide provides insights into salary ranges for tech-related fields. The guide found a salary range of $93,250 to $134,250 for data analysts working for technology companies. Data analysts and data quality analysts have different roles but significantly overlap their skillsets. Data quality analysts can expect starting salaries below this range from entry-level positions and roles with government agencies or nonprofits.

 

Becoming a Data Quality Analyst

The ideal candidates to become data quality analysts are natural problem-solvers interested in evolving their technical skills throughout their careers. Professionals familiar with Extract, Transform, and Load (ETL) tools, SQL, spreadsheets and statistical analysis are well-poised for success in the field. These attributes and skills are developed in undergraduate programs in computer science, statistics and information management.

Recent graduates build their resumes with junior roles in data validation and data cleansing. Early-career data quality analysts may work with experienced analysts to improve their skills and prepare for more advanced roles. Graduate degrees in business or technology prepare mid-career professionals for promotions into managerial or senior leadership roles. 

You may want to fast-track your career progression as you enter into a data quality analyst role. A professional doctoral program in a relevant field can provide the interdisciplinary education to succeed in analyst roles and advance your career. Marymount University’s Online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Business Intelligence builds the skills necessary for your next career step.

 

Advancing Data-Driven Careers at Marymount University

The Online DBA in Business Intelligence prepares skilled professionals to lead innovation in the workplace. The program can be completed in less than three years of 100% online study. Online DBA candidates work with peers nationwide who have also earned master’s degrees in business or technology disciplines.

This innovative program focuses on applied business research with dissertation work starting from the first semester. Experienced faculty train DBA candidates to be strategic thinkers and change agents by connecting coursework to real-world situations. The Online DBA curriculum includes courses on topics like:

• Ethical Leadership for Success in Uncertain Times
• Maximizing Digital Transformation
• Strategy in a Changing Business Climate

Every program graduate leaves with a dissertation, a network of fellow graduates, and a reputable university degree. Marymount University was named in U.S. News & World Report’s National Universities ranking for 2025. The university is also accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

Learn more about how the Online DBA in Business Intelligence can boost your career.