How to Start a Data Analytics Career in London

To kick off a career in data analytics in London, one must start acquiring numerous technical skills, including Python, SQL, Excel, and data visualization programs such as Power BI or Tableau, followed by relevant certifications.

As per Tech Nation’s 2024 report, there has been a 14% increase year over year in data-related positions, and London has been noted as the epicenter with over 40% of the UK's data analytics job vacancies.

According to Glassdoor, a Data Analyst in London earns an average salary of £42,000, with entry-level positions fetching £30,000 and experienced roles going up to £65,000. The UK LinkedIn Workforce Report 2024 states that ‘Data Analysis’ continues to be one of the five most sought-after skills in multiple sectors, including financial services, healthcare, retail, and technology. Data-driven approaches adopted by organizations post-Brexit and AI integration have opened many opportunities for prospective data specialists.

Steps for Becoming a Data Analyst in London

Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced professional seeking to advance your data analytics career in London, the following outlines the most practical and relevant steps you can take.

Understand What Employers in London Want
Learn the Key Skills and Tools In-Demand in the UK Market
Select an Appropriate Learning Path: Degrees, Bootcamps, or Certifications
Build a Project Portfolio That Reflects London’s Industry Needs
Gain Practical Experience Through Internships, Volunteering, or Freelancing
Target the Right Sectors and Companies Hiring in London
Understand the Salary Expectations and Growth Prospects
Think of Other Job Areas Closely Linked to Data Analytics

These steps will help you get insight into the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to secure a job in the competitive data analytics market in London. Let us examine each one in detail.

1. Understand What Employers in London Want

As the financial, technological, and innovative power center of Europe, London has a broad scope of opportunities for data analysts. In London, it is anticipated that data analysts not only perform data cleansing and data visualization but also generate insights for further business expansion. From Fintech companies using data analytics to tailor services to NHS teams applying analytics to bulk care list management, the scope is indeed huge.

There is no shortage of information on jobs in the capital. Most LinkedIn, Reed, and TotalJobs users see a complete range of listings with a combination of strong technical, analytic, and soft skills on offer. You'll need to interpret large datasets, identify patterns, create dashboards, and report findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, often under tight deadlines.

2. Learn the Key Skills and Tools In-Demand in the UK Market

According to Adzuna UK 2024 and Tech Nation report, the following skills are frequently mentioned as essentials for a data analyst role in London.

Excel: Still foundational in finance, retail, and government reporting functions.
SQL: Featured in 70 %+ of job descriptions; essential for querying and managing relational databases.
Python (or R): Python is preferred in tech, SaaS, and finance sectors; R remains useful in academia, healthcare, and public policy analysis.
Power BI & Tableau: Power BI leads in adoption due to Microsoft’s dominance in enterprise IT; Tableau is preferred by creative teams in marketing and product functions.
Statistics & Business Acumen: The Ability to apply statistical thinking to solve real-world business problems is increasingly seen as a differentiator.

A number of positions also require an understanding of ETL processes, APIs, data governance, and cloud systems such as Azure or AWS.

For a more comprehensive overview of the top skills that set analysts apart, refer to this blog on Top Analytics Skills Required To Become A Data Analyst.

3. Select the Appropriate Learning Path: Degree, Bootcamp, or Certification

Choosing the right educational roadmap, such as a degree, bootcamp, or professional certification, is the first step in your data analytics career. Each option has benefits depending on your objectives, experience, and even schedule.

Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

University Degree

Offers in-depth academic knowledge in statistics, mathematics, data structures, and programming.
Typically spans 3–4 years and is ideal for those seeking long-term academic credibility.
Preferred in some regulated or traditional sectors like government or finance.

Certifications

A flexible and affordable way to learn specific tools, platforms, or concepts.
Useful for validating skills in areas like data analysis, BI tools, or programming languages.
Ideal for working professionals who want to upskill or specialise without a full-time commitment.

For professionals aiming to upskill quickly, here’s a curated list of the Best Data Analytics Courses for Career Improvement to help you choose the right one based on your goals.

4. Build a Project Portfolio That Reflects London’s Industry Needs

A standout portfolio shows potential employers you can apply theory to real-world challenges. Tailor your projects to reflect data problems in high-growth UK industries:

Retail: Build a sales forecasting dashboard using historic Tesco data.
Public Health: Visualise NHS A&E wait times across trusts using open datasets.
Finance: Analyse stock trends or build an expense tracker with Barclays APIs.
E-Commerce: Design a product recommendation engine for a Shopify dataset.

Host your work on GitHub, Tableau Public, or a personal website, and include links in your CV and LinkedIn. London recruiters appreciate hands-on proof of your capabilities, especially in junior or entry-level roles.

If you’re just starting out and looking for direction, this Roadmap for Becoming a Data Analyst offers a step-by-step plan to help structure your learning and project efforts.

5. Gain Practical Experience Through Internships, Volunteering, or Freelancing

Experience doesn’t always come from a full-time job. You can start building credibility by:

Interning with startups or public sector departments – check platforms like NHS Jobs, Civil Service Jobs, and Escape the City.
Volunteering for non-profits and local councils – many have raw data but lack analysts to work with it.
Freelancing on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr – small gigs like Excel dashboarding or survey analysis can build your track record.

Even a few freelance projects can help you transition into your first formal role in a competitive market like London.

Even small freelance projects can boost your confidence. To get started with the basics, check out this blog on How To Learn Data Analysis.

6. Target the Right Sectors and Companies Hiring in London

Data analysts are in demand across virtually all major sectors in London. Key industries and employers are:

Finance & Banking: Major banks and financial institutions rely heavily on data analysts. Key employers include Barclays, HSBC, NatWest, Monzo, and Starling Bank.
Technology & SaaS: Tech giants and software companies hire analysts for product and customer data insights. Key employers include Google, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Zoopla.
Healthcare & Government: Public health bodies and government agencies use data for policy and service improvement. Key employers include NHS Digital, Public Health England, and DEFRA.
Retail & E-Commerce: Retailers and online stores need analysts to optimise sales and customer experience. Key employers include John Lewis, ASOS, Marks & Spencer, and Ocado.
Education & EdTech: Educational institutions and EdTech firms seek data professionals to track and improve learning outcomes. Key employers include Pearson, FutureLearn, and the Open University.

7. Understand the Salary Expectations and Growth Prospects

Not only is the field of data analytics growing in popularity, but it is also quite financially rewarding. As of 2025, the average salary of a data analyst in London is projected to be between £38,000 to £52,000. While entry-level positions start above £30,000, more experienced analysts in finance and tech can expect to earn £65,000–£80,000. As per the Hays UK Salary Guide 2025, positions relating to data saw a 12% increase in average salary expectations year-on-year, reflecting high demand. The ability to blend analytical skills with industry knowledge (finance, marketing, health) accelerates career development.

For a more global comparison, explore this breakdown of Data Analyst Salaries Around The World.

8. Think of Other Job Areas Closely Linked to Data Analytics

Even though "Data Analyst" is the most common title used for an entry-level career, firms often have openings for other roles that require a similar skillset. You might want to include these options in your search.

Business Intelligence Analyst – More focused on reporting and dashboard creation.
Data Scientist (Junior) – Involves predictive modelling and machine learning.
Marketing Analyst – Common in e-commerce and media firms.
Product Analyst – Increasingly in demand in SaaS and app-based companies.
Operations/Data Steward – Vital in healthcare, logistics, and government.

A report by LinkedIn UK 2025 found that 50% of professionals in analytics roles transitioned into related job titles within their first 3 years based on evolving business needs.

If you’re not sure which role aligns best with your strengths, this article on What is a Data Analyst Role and Responsibilities? breaks down the core tasks and expectations for various analyst roles.

Take the Next Step with a Data Analytics Certification Course

Getting into data analytics in London requires more than a simple interest; it requires the knowledge and application of data tools and techniques relevant to the given field. The finance, healthcare, retail, and tech industries are all data-centric, increasing the demand for professionals capable of interpreting data and providing insights.

In today’s world, one of the most efficient ways to gain these skills is through a data analytics certification course, which helps you acquire and validate a new area of expertise. A certification helps the candidate learn methodology, gain valuable experience, and, most importantly, stand out in a competitive market. There’s no better time to invest in yourself than now if you’re looking to further your career.

Do You Want to Start Your Career as a Data Analyst in the UK?

Join Edoxi’s Data Analytics Course in London Today!

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