Business Systems Analyst Salary Guide

Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on

A business systems analyst reviews data and information to make recommendations for a company’s software systems and operations. Learn how much you can earn as a business systems analyst based on a variety of factors.

[Featured Image] Three members of a business’s human resources team discuss the business systems analyst salary range for a new hire.

Does the idea of using your skill set to help your company streamline its processes and improve its operations sound like a job you would enjoy? If so, you might consider the position of a business systems analyst. The role offers numerous benefits. For example, you can work as a business systems analyst in various fields and industries. Additionally, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the number of available positions will grow as companies hire more analysts to design, adapt, and implement computer systems. 

Discover the factors that can contribute to your business systems analyst salary in the field to help you maximize your earning power and decide on the best way forward in your career. 

What is a business systems analyst?

A business systems analyst consults with businesses to determine which computer systems are optimal for companies. In this role, you are responsible for analyzing information to determine the best computer system solutions and implementing your recommendations. You also work with other managers to create and configure systems, test them, and develop instructions and manuals to help employees understand how to make them work.

How much does a business systems analyst make?

According to the BLS, computer systems analysts, in a closely related role, earn a median annual salary of $103,800 in the United States [1]. To get a comprehensive view of the full range of the average base pay specific to business systems analysts, explore data compiled from several leading salary websites. 

BLS [1]Zippia [2]Glassdoor [3]Indeed [4]
$103,800$75,383$107,834$95,156

Factors that affect a business systems analyst's salary

Factors such as your education level and experience in the field can boost your potential earnings as a business systems analyst. Where you live can also impact your salary, including the demand for business systems analysts or the cost of living in a particular area. Some industry sectors will earn more than others, depending on your interests or specialties.

Education

Many employers ask for a degree According to Zippia, 67 percent of business systems analysts hold a bachelor’s degree. Roughly 14 percent have an associate degree, and another 14 percent have a master’s degree. However, some employers might also value professional certifications and relevant skills [2]. 

Check out the average business systems analyst salaries based on education level, according to Zippia [2]:

  • Associate degree: $69,220

  • Bachelor's degree: $76,755

  • Master's degree: $82,908

  • Doctorate: $82,366

Certification

It’s also helpful to earn certification in the field to stand out, but getting a certification may not be a requirement.  One certification to earn if you decide to pursue it is to become a Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP) through the International Institute of Business Analysis. Holders of the CBAP earn an average of $98,000 per year, according to Payscale [5].

Experience

Your previous experience as a business systems analyst can affect your salary, as more experience can lead to a higher annual income. For instance, the entry-level business system analyst base salary for someone with less than a year of experience averages $86,594, according to Glassdoor. In contrast, a senior business systems analyst's salary with 15 more years of experience can be significantly higher. Take a look at the estimated average base salaries you can expect based on your years of experience [3]:

  • 0–1 year: $86,594

  • 1–3 years: $92,762

  • 4–6 years: $99,800

  • 7–9 years: $102,607

  • 10–14 years: $110,172

  • 15+ years: $114,641

Location

Where you live can affect your earnings as a business systems analyst due to the cost of living, demand for work in the area, and other regional factors. The following lists the five top-paying states for business systems analysts based on data collected by the BLS [6].

  • Washington: $132,760

  • Delaware: $131,620

  • California: $129,420

  • New Jersey: $126,240

  • Massachusetts: $124,870

Some cities may have higher earnings than others based on the cost of living or the number of available business systems analyst positions. You can earn more if you live in these areas or are willing to relocate.

Areas with many well-paying systems analyst positions include the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara area of California, with 6,480 positions earning a mean annual wage of $165,720. Business systems analysts in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward area earn a mean yearly salary of $143,830 for 10,660 positions [6].

Industry

Some industries pay higher wages for business systems analysts than others. According to the BLS, working for a management company as a business systems analyst can earn you a median annual income of $107,820. In comparison, if you work in the computer systems design industry, you might earn $103,620 in median annual income [1].

Glassdoor also lists the following five industries as the highest-paying for business systems analysts. Note that Glassdoor’s data below includes additional compensation in its figures, such as stocks, cash, bonuses, and other benefits along with base pay, while the BLS, for example, only includes base pay [3]:

  • Restaurant and food service: $122,614

  • Energy, minding, and utilities: $113,149

  • Pharmaceutical and biotechnology: $110,900

  • Manufacturing: $109,153

  • Financial services: $109,743

Other positions can help you gain additional experience as a business systems analyst. Additionally, you could find a related job that better fits your interests.

Computer network architect

Median annual US salary: $129,840 [8]

Job outlook (2023 through 2033): 13 percent [8]

Typical education: Bachelor’s degree and experience working with IT systems

A computer network architect designs and builds physical computer networks for businesses, including local and wide area networks and the infrastructure necessary for cloud implementation. You will also update hardware and research new network technologies in this position. 

Computer and information systems manager

Median annual US salary: $169,510 [9]

Job outlook (2023 through 2033): 17 percent [9]

Typical education: Bachelor’s degree; master’s necessary for upper-level jobs; years of experience

A computer and information systems manager plans and coordinates computer-related work for a business. You’re generally responsible for installing and maintaining computer hardware and software, analyzing project costs and benefits, and staying current on all new and emerging technologies that could benefit your company or organization.

Job outlook

The BLS expects business systems analyst positions to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033. That’s above the national average of 3 percent for all occupations. During that timeframe, 56,500 positions will be added to the field [10].

Positions for business systems analysts will continue to grow as companies need them to help their organizations grow and keep up with the latest technology to keep them competitive.

Getting started with Coursera

A business systems analyst job can be an excellent opportunity for anyone looking for a career with a positive job outlook and competitive salary. Take advantage of available educational opportunities to build your skills and knowledge base as you embark on a business systems analyst career or continue your field training.

For example, the Information​ ​Systems Specialization with the University of Minnesota on Coursera allows you to learn how to set up business requirements within information systems and the fundamentals of information systems management. Alternatively, you can learn about Business Analytics Specialization with UPenn’s Wharton School of Business on Coursera. The program can help you develop your ability to solve business problems with data and learn how to analyze supply and demand data with different programs.

Article sources

1

US Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Computer Systems Analyst, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/computer-systems-analysts.htm.” Accessed January 28, 2025.

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