If you want to become a business analyst and pursue a business and data integration career, it is essential to find out what a day in the life of a business analyst looks like. You may also be curious to better understand the average salary of a business analyst and the position’s job outlook projections — we’ve compiled that information here for you, too.
This guide is also a great source for project managers, customer engagement experts, and professionals looking to work in SCRUM and Agile environment-based projects.
What Is a Business Analyst? Job Description, Roles, and Responsibilities
A business analyst is a business, technology, and data professional who conducts market research, business process analysis, and customer interaction analysis to improve organizational performance. They synthesize these insights into a clear “story” that can serve as the foundation for a company’s strategy. They may also design solutions, manage change, and validate implementations.
Beyond skills in data analysis, most business analyst roles require knowledge of business administration, user story analysis, business intelligence, and statistical analysis. Increasingly, many business analysts also need skills in generative AI, automation, and data storytelling to remain competitive.
What Does a Business Analyst Do on a Daily Basis?
The daily job duties of a business analyst vary depending on the business operation cycle, employment industry, job designation, and business goals. Below is an overview of what a day in the life of a business analyst will typically look like.
- Engage stakeholders. Business analysts meet with key stakeholders, such as IT, operations, marketing, and leadership, to uncover pain points, gather requirements, and understand changing business needs. These conversations form the foundation for all subsequent analysis.
- Collect and analyze data. After stakeholder discussions, they gather and analyze data using tools like Excel, SQL, Tableau, Power BI, Figma, or Miro to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for improvement.
- Map and model processes. Using diagrams, flowcharts, or other visual models, they create a “bird’s-eye view” of workflows and systems. This helps pinpoint inefficiencies and recommend process improvements, ensuring proposed solutions align with business priorities.
- Present business solutions. Once analysis is complete, BAs prepare presentations, reports, or dashboards to communicate findings to team leaders, clients, and executives. They must translate technical insights into plain, actionable language.
- Refine, adapt, and iterate. With approval from different departments and executives, they document functional and non-functional requirements, manage scope changes, and maintain updated deliverables throughout the project lifecycle. In agile or hybrid environments, they refine deliverables through stand-ups, workshops, and feedback sessions, all while staying current with new tools, industry trends, and best practices
How Can I Acquire the Skills to Become a Business Analyst?
There are several educational and training routes you can take to become a business analyst. Consider the pathway that best fits your personal preferences, financial background, time commitment, transferable skills, and career goals when deciding how to pursue a career as a business analyst.
Traditional Degrees
A bachelor’s degree in business analytics, data analytics, business intelligence, information systems, or business administration remains a common entry route. If you’re aiming for senior roles, a master’s degree in business analytics or an MBA can be an advantage. However, skills-based hiring is on the rise as companies increasingly value proficiency over credentials. Organizations like Cisco, IBM, and Walmart have hired skilled business analysts without requiring all traditional degree qualifications.1
Online Courses and Learning Platforms
Online courses allow people to become career builders and skill enhancers. Platforms like Udemy, Coursera, edX, and Simplilearn offer both free and paid courses in business analysis, data modeling, requirements gathering, and relevant tools.
Courses can range from a few weeks to up to one year. Depending on your learning preferences, you can opt for self-paced or live-learning schedules.2 Earning a verified course-completion certificate can help strengthen your resume.
Bootcamps and Intensive Training
Business analytics or data analytics bootcamps are the current educational game-changers. You can attend the top data science, business intelligence, or data analytics programs to prepare for entry-level roles in weeks. Not years or months. Many of these bootcamps provide hands-on projects to help build portfolios, as well as career prep and hiring support.
Business Analyst Professional Certifications
Certifications can help you stand out by validating your knowledge, but your choice of certification specialization needs to match your professional competencies and educational background. In 2025, some of the most recognized certificates include:
- ECBA, CCBA, CBAP, and IIBA‑AAC (from IIBA)
- PMI‑PBA (Project Management Institute)
- CAP (Certified Analytics Professional)3
How Can I Get a Job as a Business Analyst?
Landing your first business analyst role means combining in-demand skills, real-world experience, strategic preparation, and active networking. Below are the steps to finding a job as a business analyst. Follow the roadmap that best matches your goals.
Step 1: Build foundational education and skills
Start by gaining educational grounding. This can be through a degree in business analytics, data analytics, information systems, or through relevant courses and certifications. Once you understand theory, approach tools like Excel, SQL, Power BI, or Tableau for hands-on practice.
Step 2: Develop both soft and technical skills
Alongside the knowledge and technical tools required to be a business analyst, build essential soft skills like critical thinking, adaptability, communication, and stakeholder engagement. Some employers consider these skills as must-haves in business analyst candidates.
Step 3: Build a portfolio
This step is especially important, as business analytics is a competitive career. Showcase your analytical thinking with mock projects, case studies, freelance assignments, or contributions to open-source or nonprofit initiatives. A portfolio that demonstrates your abilities can be a game-changer, even if it doesn’t include exact work experience
Step 4: Earn strategic certifications
Research professional business analyst certifications to increase your professional credibility. Examples of certifications include ECBA, CBAP, PMI‑PBA, or Agile BA. If you want to go down this route, choose whichever certifications align with your desired role and skill level.
Step 5: Market yourself strategically
Customize your resume and online profiles like LinkedIn with role-relevant keywords and achievements. Consider using AI-powered resume tools to optimize for ATS systems and improve visibility. Make sure recruiters know you know the lingo.
Step 6: Network and engage with the field
Actively network with professionals through LinkedIn groups, alumni networks, events, and informational interviews. Early networking helps you understand the industry and open doors to hidden opportunities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and send emails to strangers.
Step 7: Apply and prepare effectively
The last step to finding a business analyst job is to start researching. Apply selectively and thoughtfully to jobs you’re interested in. Don’t just send applications to any company with a listing. Then, before interviews, prepare with role-specific scenarios, mock interviews, or case study reviews. Tailor your approach for each application and rehearse key talking points
What Is the Average Salary of a Business Analyst?
Business analyst salaries vary depending on factors like experience, education, location, industry, and skills. In 2025, U.S. salaries span a broad range. Entry–level roles see salaries starting at around $65,000, while senior professionals in top-paying markets might earn as much as $130,190 annually.4
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Salary for an Entry-Level Business Analyst
Business analysts with up to two years of experience typically earn between $65,000 and $78,000 per year. The national average for entry-level roles is about $73,600, with top earners making over $85,000. You can improve your earning potential by targeting high-paying industries like finance or tech, or relocating to states with stronger salary averages such as California, New York, or Washington.5
Salary for a Mid-Level Business Analyst
With three to five years of experience, mid-level business analysts average around $93,800 annually, with a range from $80,000 to $100,000 depending on the employer, location, and performance. Mid-career professionals with specialized skills like data visualization or process automation often secure salaries at the top of this range.6
Salary for a Senior-Level Business Analyst
Senior business analysts with over five years of experience can expect median pay of roughly $102,700, with high earners making between $120,000 and $127,500 annually.7 Extensive industry knowledge and advanced technical expertise can also open doors to related senior roles, such as senior IT analyst, business systems analyst, or senior data analyst.
Best States for Business Analyst Salaries in 2025
Business analyst salaries vary widely by location. In 2025, some of the highest-paying states for this role include California, New York, Washington, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. These states not only offer above-average pay but also have high demand for skilled professionals in industries like tech, finance, and healthcare. For example, business analysts in California can often earn 10–20% more than the national average, especially in cities like San Francisco and San Jose where tech companies lead the market.8
Job Outlook for a Business Analyst
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classifies business analysts under the management analysts category. Projections suggest that business analyst could be a healthy, future-proof career choice.
Employment in this field is expected to grow 11% over the next decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. This equates to approximately 95,700 job openings per year over the decade, driven by the continued need for businesses to become more efficient and cost-effective.9
Additionally, management analysts are considered a Bright Outlook occupation by ONET, indicating solid growth and high demand.10
Should I Become a Business Analyst?
You should become a business analyst if you’re looking for a career that blends data insights, business strategy, and technology, as the business analyst role is looking exceptionally promising in 2025 and beyond.
This field showcases strong, above‑average growth, with diverse opportunities across finance, healthcare, tech, consulting, and government. As data-rich decision-making becomes even more central to organizational success, business analysts remain among the most valued professionals.
A Day in the Life of a Business Analyst FAQs
They typically identify business challenges, collect and analyze data, develop solutions, and present those findings to stakeholders like product teams or leadership. Core responsibilities include process mapping, data visualization, and stakeholder communication.
The essential skills needed to get a business analyst job are data analytics, business intelligence, statistical analysis, and user research. Business skills include requirements gathering, market research, and business operations. Soft skills you might need are stakeholder communication, adaptability, and critical thinking.
Absolutely. It offers access to high-growth, high-compensation careers, especially for those comfortable working at the intersection of business and data.
No, heavy coding is not typically required. However, proficiency in data tools and relational databases like SQL, Excel, or BI platforms is highly beneficial.
Sources
1https://www.ft.com/content/2c2558fe-fc6e-4a92-b54a-c78aede7336b
2https://www.upgrad.com/blog/best-business-analyst-courses-certifications/
3https://www.tealhq.com/certifications/business-analyst
4https://www.salary.com/tools/salary-calculator/business-analyst?yrs=8
5https://www.salary.com/research/salary/position/entry-level-business-analyst-salary
6https://www.salary.com/research/salary/hiring/mid-level-business-analyst-salaryz
7https://www.salaryexpert.com/salary/job/business-analyst/united-states/
8https://www.zippia.com/advice/business-analyst-salary-by-state/
9https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm
10https://www.onetonline.org/help/bright/13-1111.00
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