[Articles](/articles.html)>[Business](/articles.html#business-articles)> How to become a business analyst
# How to become a business analyst
_This article was updated on September 19, 2025._
Written by[Michael Feder](/blog/authors/michael-feder.html)
Reviewed by [Kathryn Uhles](/about/academic-leadership/dean-kathryn-uhles.html), MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT
Business analysis is an important part of today’s data-centric world. Professionals in this field focus on different aspects of business operations, from management to accounting to operations. Regardless of where their expertise lies, these professionals play a crucial role in the business world. Let's take a closer look at this career path.
## The role of a business analyst
Companies rely on data to assess their processes and find areas for improvement, and as a result, business analysts are not limited to technical industries. They work in various sectors, from manufacturing and retail to[software development](https://www.phoenix.edu/articles/it/how-to-become-a-software-developer.html)and insurance.
A wide range of specialties in the field also exists. Graduates working in business analysis for business intelligence, management and IT are just a few examples. These specialties require expertise in a specific area, but all analysts need the same analytical and technical skills and understanding of business principles, regardless of their focus.
Those who work in business analysis are unique in that they are part data scientists and part business advisors. They need to know data analytics to glean applicable insights, and they also need to understand their industry and general economic and business principles. This ensures their business analysis ultimately improves operations and increases profits.
## Skills for business analysts
Technical skills required for business analytics include knowledge of databases, data analytics and relevant[programming languages](https://www.phoenix.edu/articles/it/what-are-programming-vs-scripting-languages.html) like R, Python and SQL. Regardless of their employer’s industry, a business analyst also needs to know about data mining techniques, data analytics applications like R and SAS, and data visualization software.
An understanding of the technical requirements of an employer’s industry is required, as well as their area of specialization. For example, a role that focuses on IT processes will need to understand the nuances of networks, software, hardware, databases and cybersecurity.
Soft skills are also essential for business analysts. Findings need to be presented clearly and understandably, especially to a company’s decision-makers, administrators and executives. Analytical and problem-solving skills are vital, along with being highly organized in regard to research projects and job responsibilities.
## Job responsibilities for business analysts
Graduates who work in business analysis are in different industries and sectors, but they all have the same goal. They use data to help companies identify areas for improvement and make informed decisions about processes, policies and strategies.
Analysts communicate with business decision-makers to plan analysis projects. After they complete their business analysis, they need to organize and present their findings. They often need to visualize data and translate findings in a way that executives without the same technical expertise can understand.
Depending on the industry, responsibilities might include pricing, financial forecasts, budget modeling, marketing analysis and assessing the efficiency of business operations.
## Salary for business analysts
The field of business analytics has a wide range of salaries. While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t have data specifically for business analysts, it does for related fields, including operations research analysts. As of May 2024, operations analysts earned[between $53,910 and $159,280, with a median wage of $91,290](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm#tab-5), according to BLS.
As of May 2024, management analysts (another related field) earned[between $59,720 and $174,140, with a median of $101,190](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm#tab-5), according to BLS.
_Salary ranges are not specific to students or graduates of University of Phoenix. Actual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including prior work experience, geographic location and other factors specific to the individual. University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level or career advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be researched on the BLS website._
## Job outlook for business analysts
Employment of operations research analysts is projected to[grow 21 percent from 2024 to 2034](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm#tab-6). About 9,600 openings for operations research analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
Employment of management analysts is projected to[grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm#tab-6). About 98,100 openings for management analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
_BLS Occupational Employment Projections, 2024-2034 is published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This data reflects BLS’ projections of national (not local) conditions. These data points are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates._
## Learn more about business analyst careers
If you're interested in becoming a business analyst, University of Phoenix offers:
- [Business Analytics Certificate (Undergraduate)](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-certificates/business-analytics.html)
- [Post Master's Certificate in Organizational Leadership and Decision-making](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-certificates/post-masters-organizational-leadership-decision-making.html)
- [Doctor of Management](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-business-degrees/management-doctoral-degree.html)
Contact University of Phoenix[for more information](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information).
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### ABOUT THE AUTHOR
A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and its Writing Seminars program and winner of the Stephen A. Dixon Literary Prize, Michael Feder brings an eye for detail and a passion for research to every article he writes. His academic and professional background includes experience in marketing, content development, script writing and SEO. Today, he works as a multimedia specialist at University of Phoenix where he covers a variety of topics ranging from healthcare to IT.
### ABOUT THE REVIEWER
Currently Dean of the College of Business and Information Technology, Kathryn Uhles has served University of Phoenix in a variety of roles since 2006. Prior to joining University of Phoenix, Kathryn taught fifth grade to underprivileged youth in Phoenix.
This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.
[Read more about our editorial process.](/blog/editorial-process.html)
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