How much does a business analyst make?
a year · about $49 an hour
A typical business analyst in the United States makes $101,860 a year, about $49 an hour, about 2× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? 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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $60,640 and $171,640How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like keeping things organized and figuring things out
Why does pay differ?
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Massachusetts ($134,720), lowest in Mississippi ($69,390).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $60,640 | $101,860 | $171,640 | about 898,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $134,720 | about 30,000 |
| District of Columbia | $126,140 | about 19,000 |
| Maryland | $121,680 | about 19,000 |
| New York | $112,250 | about 69,000 |
| Washington | $109,170 | about 25,000 |
Official definition: 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).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-1111.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/2023/May/oes131111.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY