Business Analyst: Career Overview
Official government data · Updated April 2026
Business Analysts earn a national median of $101,190/yr with 8.8% projected employment growth over 2024–2034. The role draws on expertise in English Language, Administration and Management, Customer and Personal Service.
Median Salary
$101,190
National · 2024
10-Year Growth
8.8%
Faster than average
Employed Nationally
893,900
2024 data
Typical Education
Bachelor's degree
Entry-level
What Employers Expect From a Business Analyst
These are the competencies recruiters screen for in Business Analyst candidates, ranked by importance. Your resume should demonstrate each one:
Knowledge Areas
Core knowledge domains most important for Business Analyst performance, based on verified occupational data.
Tools & Technologies
High-demand tools and technologies for Business Analyst roles.
Job Outlook: 2024–2034
Employment is projected to grow 8.8% for Business Analyst roles over the 2024–2034 decade. That's faster than average compared to the 4% average across all occupations.
- Current Employment
- 893,900
- Projected Growth
- 8.8%
- Typical Education
- Bachelor's degree
Top Employers
Companies actively hiring for Business Analyst roles, ranked by disclosure volume. Salaries reflect base pay from employer disclosure records.
| Company | Median Disclosed Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|
| Bain & Company | $212,000 | 21 |
| Boston Consulting Group | $207,636 | 34 |
| Mastercard Inc | $174,000 | 6 |
| Palantir Technologies | $141,240 | 2 |
| Infosys Limited | $131,706 | 99 |
Base salary only — excludes equity and bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does a Business Analyst do?
- Business Analysts apply expertise in English Language, Administration and Management, Customer and Personal Service to perform their core responsibilities. Key competencies include Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing.
- How much does a Business Analyst make?
- The national median salary for a Business Analyst is $101,190 per year based on official government wage survey data. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.
- Is Business Analyst a good career in 2026?
- Employment for Business Analyst roles is projected to grow 8.8% over the 2024–2034 decade — faster than average compared to all occupations. There are currently 893,900 workers in this occupation nationally.
- What education do you need to become a Business Analyst?
- The typical entry-level education for a Business Analyst is Bachelor's degree. Requirements vary by employer and specialization.
- What skills do Business Analysts need?
- The most important skills for Business Analyst roles based on verified occupational data: Reading Comprehension, Active Listening, Critical Thinking, Writing, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Monitoring, Social Perceptiveness, Coordination. Key tools and technologies include: Atlassian JIRA, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Power BI.
Does Your Resume Cover These Skills?
Tap the skills that are currently on your resume.
Salary, employment, and skills figures sourced from official U.S. government records and occupational databases. Actual compensation and requirements vary by location, experience, and employer. Salary and employment figures from official U.S. government records. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.