The SAS language is a computer programming language used for statistical analysis. It is widely used in a variety of multi-billion dollar industries globally to accurately read and define necessary data. Who works with this data? A SAS Consultant! Let’s find out what they do and how they do it.
What is SAS?
The SAS software, or as it was formerly known – Statistical Analysis Software, is an advanced analytical software tool developed by the SAS Institute.
The software retrieves data from various sources (it access data from SAS tables, Microsoft Excel tables, databases) and then performs statistical analysis on it (logistic regression or more sophisticated methods such as Bayesian hierarchical models). SAS is currently one of the most used tools by Data scientists.
What is SAS used for?
- Advanced analytics
- Multivariate analytics
- Business intelligence (BI)
- Data management
- Predictive analytics
SAS helps with analyses, reporting, data mining, and predictive modeling with interactive dashboards and detailed visualizations.
What does a SAS Consultant do?
A SAS consultant or programmer is generally someone with an IT background who is adept at the use of the SAS language and software. They are experts at statistical analysis, data management, and predictive models.
By collecting data and then manipulating it, the SAS consultant can help analyze current productivity and plans as well as predict future trends.
Responsibilities of a SAS Consultant
The day-to-day tasks of a SAS consultant differ based on the data and statistical information they compile.
There are however some basic responsibilities that every SAS consultant shares. This includes:
- Importing and exporting raw data from various sources
- Managing databases that house large quantities of information
- Creating data sets – tables, graphs, lists, etc. – and programs
- Support the operation of complex SAS infrastructures
- Analyzing data – finding trends and other relevant information
- Writing up reports to present data to management
- Deliver analysis and data to help in decision making
Looking for a SAS Consultant?
What Skills does a SAS Consultant need?
Generally, SAS consultants hold a degree in business administration, information technology, business informatics or have several years of professional experience in the field of SAS, database development or business intelligence.
What should a SAS consultant be able to do?
- Deep understanding of the SAS software and the ability to analyze raw data are basic skills for any SAS consultant/developer.
- Past experience with SAS applications such as Base SAS, SAS 9, SAS Viya, Visual Analytics, or Management console
- Practical experience in the areas of requirements management and technical conception
- Experience consulting and implementing management solutions with SAS institute products
- Knowledge of architectures and associated tools in a data warehouse, OLAP, and reporting.
- Knowledge of other established technologies: MS, SAP HANA, Hadoop
- professional experience in design, architecture and implementation of BI and/or Big Data applications
- Computer programming – z.B. Python, Matlab, R, Java or Go
- Communication skills – ability to work with other programmers and create daily reports
- Time management skills
How can you become a SAS Consultant?
A SAS consultant usually has a bachelor’s degree in statistics or computer science. Furthermore, some employers require consultants to undergo SAS certification. The SAS Institute offers certification options at various levels for programmers. To attain a SAS certification, you can enroll in a program that will help you with your skills and get you ready for the certification exam.
After receiving the base certification, you can work towards more advanced certifications.
Certification exams will showcase your skills and knowledge in the following areas of the SAS system:
- Accessing data
- Creation of data structures
- Management of data
- Reporting
- Efficiently working within the SAS environment
Employers will be able to assess your strength with SAS and will prefer you over a consultant who does not have SAS certification.
Looking for a new job?
Salary
Beginner consultants can expect to receive $64,000 annually while more senior consultants can command up to $107,000 per year, on average. This sets the average rate at $82,000.
How much does a SAS consultant make?
| Junior | $64,000 |
| Average | $82,000 |
| Senior | $107,000 |
| Average rate SAS Consultants (2022) | $86/hr |
On average, freelance SAS Consultants charge $86/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022).
Freelance rates in SAS Consultancy range between $55 and $101 for the majority of freelancers.
If we consider an 8-hour working day at $86/hour, the daily rate for freelance SAS Consultants is around $688/day.
