Microsoft Excel is still well-used in the era of Google Sheets. Learning platform Coursera compared the two spreadsheet systems side-by-side, noting some of the advantages of the former. 

For one, Excel has a faster processing speed as a desktop application, unlike a web-based platform like Google Sheets. It is also better equipped to handle larger data sets and more complex calculations.

Many users also prefer Excel for data presentation because it allows better customization for PDF conversion. An analysis by Adobe noted that while sharing a PDF spreadsheet via Google Sheets is easier, Excel provides more control options for appearance and formatting. 

Users can create an output that looks more professional and well-presented with the added versatility.

Proficiency in using Excel also has its advantages. According to HR and Relationship Management leader Tania Marler, candidates applying for a job have a higher chance of getting hired if they have expertise using the platform since it is widely used in many companies. 

“Possessing advanced Excel skills can significantly enhance your employability and open doors to career advancement,” Marler wrote in an article for LinkedIn.

Apart from enhanced employability, achieving a good level of mastery in Excel can also be profitable. According to June 2024 statistics by Glassdoor, the total annual pay range for an Excel data analyst in the United States is between $81,000 and $129,000. The median total pay is $102,000. 

To break it down further, the calculated annual base pay is between $70,000 and $109,000. Then comes additional pay of up to $20,000 per year, which could include cash bonuses and tips.

Excel users, we’d like to hear from you. Which of these photos do you relate to the most? And what about the platform do you like or dislike? Let’s begin a nerdy discussion in the comments below!