Career Roadmap to Become a Data Analyst and Data Scientist

Changing to a data career might feel daunting, but all it takes is one decisive step to begin that journey. Singapore has a data-driven economy, with unprecedented demand for skilled Data Analysts and Scientists, making this one of the most promising career transitions right now.

This is further reflected in their respective salaries. Data Scientists over here earn between SGD 72,000 and SGD 108,000 per year, with an average of SGD 90,000. For Data Analysts, this ranges from SGD 48,000 to SGD 72,000 per year, with an average of SGD 60,000.

This blog will look at how you can begin a Data Scientist and Data Analyst career in Singapore. It will also focus on the careers you can pursue here as a Data Analyst.

Sources: Glassdoor, as of December 9, 2025

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How to Begin Your Data Analyst/Data Scientist Career from Scratch

It does not matter whether you are already working in a technical domain or have a non-technical background in Singapore. Having a clear, structured roadmap to begin a Data Analyst career here can help you build the right skills, gain practical experience, and position yourself for success.

1. Understanding What Data Science Actually Involves

Data Science is an interdisciplinary field that applies scientific methods, systems, and algorithms to extract actionable insights and knowledge from both structured and unstructured data.

The following are its core components:

Statistics and Mathematics
Computer Science and Programming
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning
Domain Expertise
Communication and Data Visualization

Data Science involves typically the following processes:

Defining the Business Problem
Data Collection
Data Preparation and Cleaning
Exploratory Data Analysis
Data Modeling
Model Deployment and Evaluation
Communicating Results

In Singapore, it is applied to various sectors, such as:

Healthcare
Finance
Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce)
Transportation

2. Learning the Core Skills

To start a data career here, you require a potent combination of essential soft skills and technical proficiency. Those skills may be enumerated as follows:

A. Technical Skills

Programming Languages
Mathematics and Statistics
Data Cleaning and Wrangling
Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Visualization Tools
Machine Learning Fundamentals
Cloud Computing Basics

B. Soft Skills

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Storytelling and Communication
Business Acumen
Teamwork and Collaboration
Continuous Learning and Adaptability

3. Starting to Build Real Projects

You must build end-to-end, real-world projects to start a data career here, as it will demonstrate the business acumen and practical skills you possess to prospective employers. Here are some strategies you can adopt to build an effective portfolio:

Focusing on End-to-End Projects
Leveraging Relevant Datasets
Demonstrating Business Impact
Showcasing Communication Skills
Hosting Your Work Professionally

4. Learning the Tools That Matter

If you want to begin a data career here, you must master a core set of programming languages, along with specific data visualization and analysis tools that local employers highly value.

This includes the following:

A. Core Programming Languages

Python
Structured Query Language (SQL)
R

B. Platforms and Software

Microsoft Excel
Data Visualization Tools
Version Control Tools

C. Libraries

Pandas
Scikit-learn
PyTorch or TensorFlow

Also Read: Data Science Tools You Should Know in Singapore

5. Joining the Community

You must also join the data community over here to begin your career in this domain. Such networking will provide you with access to industry insights and mentorship, as well as job opportunities that may not have been advertised.

These are your best options in this regard:

A. Events and In-Person Networking

Attending Mixers and Meetups
Going to Workshops and Conferences
Participating in Competitions and Hackathons

B. Online Platforms and Communities

LinkedIn
Online Communities and Forums
Job Portals

Specialties You Can Pursue As a Data Analyst

The following are the top options you have in terms of a Data Scientist career in Singapore and the salaries you can earn in those job roles:

Job Role	Annual Salary Range
Quantitative Researcher	SGD 100,000 – SGD 200,000
Data Architect	SGD 108,000 – SGD 168,000
Quantitative Analyst	SGD 100,000 – SGD 160,000
AI Scientist	SGD 72,000 – SGD 132,000
Data Analyst Manager	SGD 84,000 – SGD 108,000
Machine Learning Engineer	SGD 72,000 – SGD 108,000
Research Scientist	SGD 60,000 – SGD 84,000
BI Analyst	SGD 60,000 – SGD 84,000
Product Analyst	SGD 48,000 – SGD 84,000

Sources: Glassdoor, as of October 27, November 12, 27, and December 1, 5, 7, and 9, 2025

Benefits of the Essential Skills Required for a Successful Data Analyst Career

We have already enumerated the skills you require to become a Data Scientist in Singapore. Now, let us discuss how they can benefit you in this quest.

For starters, programming languages like SQL and Python help you in different ways in your data career. Python is the most widely used language in this domain due to its robust libraries. You must be proficient in SQL to manage and extract data from relational databases, a routine task in most data roles.

Factors Influencing Data Analyst Salaries in Singapore

The following are the most critical factors influencing the money you make as a Data Analyst here:

Experience Level
Specialized Certifications and Technical Skills
Industry Type
Company Type and Size
Educational Background
Soft Skills

In Singapore, all these factors affect such salaries differently. For example, your experience level is a major determinant of such salaries. The more experienced you are, the more money you make in this domain.

If you are proficient in high-demand technologies and tools, it directly boosts your earning potential.

Also Read: Data Analyst Salary in Singapore – Freshers, Experienced, Veterans

How upGrad Helps You Transition into a Data Analytics or Data Science Career

The courses offered through upGrad help you transition easily into data science and analytics careers in Singapore. These are university-accredited, industry-aligned programs that offer you the opportunity to participate in hands-on projects, along with dedicated career support services and expert mentorship.

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FAQs On Data Analyst and Data Scientist Career in Singapore

What skills do I need to start a Data Analyst career from scratch in Singapore?

You need both technical and soft skills to start a career as a Data Analyst from scratch in Singapore. This includes programming languages such as SQL and Python, as well as problem-solving and critical thinking.

Can someone without a tech background become a Data Analyst in Singapore?

Yes, even if someone does not have a tech background, they can always become a Data Analyst in Singapore. This is because local employers often prefer candidates with transferable skills, such as communication and problem-solving, and a willingness to learn the necessary technical tools.

How long does it take to become job-ready in data analytics in Singapore?

Becoming job-ready in data analytics in Singapore can take anywhere from 3 months to a year of dedicated practice and study.

Do I need to learn Python to become a Data Analyst in Singapore?

You do not need to learn Python for every entry-level Data Analyst role in Singapore, but it is recommended that you learn it.

How important is having a portfolio for data analytics hiring?

Having a portfolio is a crucial and essential part of being hired for data analytics roles in Singapore.

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