How much does a business analyst make?

In the US, pay can differ with experience, location, and industry or specialty. Consultants may get a year-end bonus, while independent analysts charge by the hour or project; some work over 40 hours a week. A professional credential is optional, but it can help a job seeker stand out.

Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants. Excludes “Computer Systems Analysts” (15-1211) and “Operations Research Analysts” (15-2031).

What's a typical day like?

They visit a client’s workplace, ask staff how work gets done, and study records and numbers to find slow or costly steps. Then they suggest better ways, write a report or present it to managers, and may teach workers a new process.

In the US, earn a bachelor’s degree—business, social science, engineering, or another field can fit—then build several years of related work experience. An MBA or professional credential may help, but certification is not required.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out.

A US management analyst may spend much of their time at clients’ workplaces and travel often to meet them—not just work in their own office.