Data Analytics Certificates That Employers Value Most

Overview of Data Analytics Roles

Data analysts think along the lines of, “What happened and why did it happen?” As such, their job responsibilities include:

• Collecting, cleaning, and interpreting data
• Building dashboards and reports
• Supporting business decision-making
• Using tools like SQL, Python, Excel, Tableau

In doing so, they enable teams to make data-driven day-to-day decisions.

So, how can you become a data analyst? Becoming one doesn’t strictly need a bachelor’s degree, but it can be helpful. Instead, you can earn data analytics certificates employers value most.

Certificates matter in the job market because they:

• Provide tangible validation of your job-ready skills that employers actively seek
• Fill the experience gap for career changers
• Offer a faster and cheaper path toward well-paying jobs than a bachelor’s degree

Why become a data analyst? First, data analysts are among the fastest-growing jobs (WEF, 2025-2030). The Bureau of Labor Statistics projected high job growth rates for related occupations. These include operations research analysts (21%) and data scientists (34%) for 2024-2034.

Second, there’s a diverse range of entry-level job titles, like:

• Data analyst
• Business intelligence analyst
• Reporting analyst
• Operations/marketing analyst
• Junior data scientist (for those who continue training)

Third, the entry-level pay is attractive – $81,518/year, on average (ZipRecruiter, January 2026).

Do you want to learn more about the data analytics certificates employers value most? Read on and start your journey toward becoming a data analyst.

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Popular Data Analytics Certificates Employers Value Most

Read these brief descriptions of the data analytics certificates employers value most. Then, you can conduct more research and make a more informed choice.

Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate

Google, a titan in tech, offers among the best data analytics certifications in 2026. Read any Google Data Analytics certificate review, and it’s a trusted name.

Employers trust Google credentials, too, because these signal real-world skills including:

• Spreadsheet modeling
• SQL queries
• R programming foundations
• Data visualization

Skills development happens because of hands-on projects. In turn, learners build their portfolio, which employers consider in their hiring decisions.

The certificate costs under $50/month through Coursera. The typical completion time is six months. This is best for complete beginners and career changers. Google’s partnership with major employers can increase hiring opportunities.

IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate

The IBM Data Analyst certificate value lies in its:

• Strong employer brand (i.e., IBM is known for its serious tech)
• Skill alignment (i.e., best for students seeking a programming-heavy analytics approach)

Learners develop their skills in the proficient use of tools like:

• Python, Pandas, and NumPy
• IBM Cognos Analytics
• Excel + SQL

The program requires completion of capstone projects with real datasets.

With its prestigious industry recognition, certificate holders can qualify for jobs like:

• Junior data analyst
• Business intelligence analyst
• Data scientist (entry-level)

Cost is $39-$59/month, depending on region and promotions. Completion time is 4-6 months. 

SAS Certified Specialist / SAS Base Programming

Note that SAS is still a standard in enterprise analytics. It applies to healthcare, pharma, and finance, which are regulated industries. The certification’s value for regulated industries lies in its:

• Demonstration of the ability to work in environments characterized by compliance and audit
• Validation of competency in a regulator-trusted data analytics platform

As such, earning the SAS data analytics certification signals readiness for SAS-related roles. The certification covers skills in:

• SAS programming essentials
• Data cleaning + statistical analysis

Indeed, many large organizations use SAS for data analysis, reporting, and compliance. So, it makes sense to be skilled in it.

If you’re an analyst seeking work in large corporate or clinical environments, go for it. You’re more likely to enjoy higher salaries in industries where SAS is the standard, too.

Tableau Desktop Specialist / Tableau Data Analyst

The Tableau Desktop Specialist is the best Tableau certification for beginners. There are no formal prerequisites, and the certification tests foundational skills. The next step is the Tableau Data Analyst certification once you’re more experienced. 

Tableau is one of the most requested visualization tools because it does the following:

• Tableau allows users to create dashboards for reporting and storytelling quickly.
• Tableau integrates with diverse data sources.
• Tableau incorporates business-friendly and intuitive features.

Learners pursuing these certifications gain skills in:

• Dashboard creation
• Data storytelling
• Visual analytics principles

Portfolio-ready projects build both your portfolio and skills, too. These certificates are best for business analysts and those seeking data visualization roles. You’re more likely to be noticed faster because of these credentials.

Other Valuable Certificates for Aspiring Data Analysts

Here are more data analytics certificates employers value most to consider:

How to Choose the Right Data Analytics Certificate for Your Career Goals

You don’t have to earn all the top data analyst certificates. Not all these credentials will align with your interests, budget, and goals. So, it’s better to choose the right certificate based on these factors.

• Beginner vs. intermediate vs. advanced pathways: Determine your skill level first so you can keep up with the topics. Then, progress to intermediate- and advanced-level certificates as you gain skills and experience.
• Career transitions: Explore your options if you’re a career changer, such as:
  • Marketing – Focus on Excel, visualization, and BI tools
  • Finance – Choose SQL, Excel, and statistical analysis
  • IT –  Build your SQL, cloud platform, and Python skills
  • Healthcare – Emphasize Excel, SAS, and Python skills
• Tech stack considerations: Choose a certificate based on their stackability, too.
  • Python/R if you’re aiming for statistical analytics or programming-heavy roles
  • BI tools if you’re into decision-support and visualization roles
  • SQL, if you’re interested in querying databases
• Portfolio requirements + employer expectations: Consider the portfolio requirements for each certification. Then, determine if these match with employer expectations.

ROI: Salaries + Entry-Level Roles You Can Get with These Certificates

Again, the attractive data analytics certification salary is a major motivation. Of course, actual salaries depend on experience, location, position, and company.

But the typical starting salaries for data analytics roles are:

• Data analyst: $55,000–$85,000
• Business analyst: $60,000–$95,000
• BI analyst: $70,000–$105,000

Indeed, even entry-level data analyst jobs pay well.

The salary outcomes depend on the type of certificate, too. The typical starting salaries (estimates only) are:

• Google Data Analytics Certificate: $55,000-$75,000
• IBM Data Analyst Certificate: $65,000–$85,000
• SAS Certified Specialist: $70,000–$95,000
• Tableau/Power BI Certificates: $65,000–$90,000
• AWS Data Analytics Specialty: $80,000–$105,000

The industries hiring the most data analysts in 2026 are:

• Tech and SaaS companies
• Finance and banking
• Healthcare and pharmaceutical
• Retail and e-commerce
• Consulting and professional services

Certificates speed up hiring for entry-level positions because these:

• Signal job-ready skills to employers
• Allow employers to assess your skills before hiring
• Appear on applicant tracking systems

But setting realistic expectations about hiring timelines is a must. Most candidates with certificates can secure entry-level jobs in 3-9 months.

How Employers View Data Analytics Certificates in 2026

In 2026, employers increasingly put higher value on certificates than formal degrees. Here’s why:

• Certificates validate practical skills more than formal degrees alone. The best certificates for a data analyst career aren’t about filling resume space. Instead, earning them is about gaining job-ready skills that employers seek. Of course, if you have domain knowledge via a bachelor’s degree, it’s a competitive edge, too. But add technical aptitude through certificates, and you may be one step closer to the job.
• Certificates build your portfolio. However, it isn’t only the certificates listed on your resume that matter. Your portfolio matters more than the credentials alone, too. With a strong portfolio, you can highlight job-ready skills. These include data cleaning and analysis, SQL queries, and dashboards.
• Certificates have industry recognition. With trusted names like Google, IBM, and Tableau as providers, this isn’t surprising. Google certificates are trusted credentials for entry-level positions. IBM certificates are preferred for programming-heavy roles. Tableau/Power BI certificates are in demand for visualization and business intelligence roles.

Also, SQL, visualization, and Python certificates are in demand among employers. These are the trifecta of data analytics that can boost your career.

Final Takeaway — Which Data Analytics Certificate Is Best for You?

In summary, the best data analytics certificate depends on your skill level and goals.

• Best for beginners: Google
• Best for analysts needing Python: IBM
• Best for regulated industries: SAS
• Best for data visualization roles: Tableau

Don’t just go through the motions of earning these certificates either. You must build a strong portfolio and practice with real datasets. Employers put a higher value on practical skills than just the certificate.