What Is the Average Market Research Analyst Salary?

Market research analysts analyze data and trends to understand customer preferences, helping companies increase customer reach, design relevant products, and increase profits. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the job growth in this market will be 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the national average, alongside an above-average salary [1].  

If you’re interested in a career as a market research analyst, this guide can help you explore the role and the various factors that can help you maximize your salary. 

What is a market research analyst?

Market research analysts help companies gain insight into their target markets by analyzing market trends, customer demographics, consumer behavior, and industry trends. This provides insight into what customers want, what they buy, and the general amount consumers are willing to spend. This helps companies design products and services their customers will spend money on.

Market research analysts use multiple data collection methods, including focus groups, questionnaires, and statistical data analysis. 

How much do market research analysts make?

According to the BLS, the median annual market research analyst income is $74,680 in the United States[1]. When you compare it to data from various websites, including Glassdoor,  you’ll see that market research analysts’ salaries range from just over $50,000 to $80,000. The salary information given by three websites in 2024 is in the table below [1, 2, 3]:

However, the exact salary you can expect to receive will vary. The industry and location you work in and your experience and education level can significantly change that amount. 

Factors that determine market research analyst salary 

Factors that can impact the salary you receive include whether you have a degree, your previous experience, the location of the role, and the industry you work in. Below, consider each of these factors in more detail.

Education 

To begin your career as a market research analyst, you should obtain a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as business, market research, statistics, social science, or psychology. 

According to Zippia, 72 percent of market research analysts have a bachelor’s degree, with 19 percent studying for a master’s degree [4]. Zippia also provides data on annual salary expectations according to degree level. Average salaries per year are in the table below [4]:

Read more: What Is an Undergraduate Degree?

Certification

Studying for certification is a great way of leveling up and demonstrating your specific skills relevant to the job. Adding additional certifications to your resume can give you access to higher-level jobs and salaries. Some popular certifications include:

• Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) 

• Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)

Read more: What Are Certificate Programs? A 2025 Guide

Experience

As you move through your career and gain more experience, you may expect to advance your salary. When moving roles, different positions require different experience levels, and the highest-level roles generally ask for extensive experience. 

Glassdoor reports annual average base salary information from entry-level to 20 or more years of experience as follows [2]:

It's common to gain experience as a market research analyst by starting with an internship or working as a research assistant. 

Skills

Proving that you have certain market research analyst skills is essential in moving up to higher-level positions and reaching higher salary levels. Essential technical and workplace skills to master include:

Workplace skills

• Communication

• Critical thinking

• Organization

• Problem-solving

• Attention to detail

Technical skills

• Research

• Data analysis

• Marketing

• Software 

• Business acumen

• Analytical thinking

According to Payscale, some market research analyst skills, in particular, can help you increase your salary. Skills and their associated average annual salary increase include [5]:

Industry

Market research analysts work in various industries, such as finance, insurance, wholesale, business, publishing, media, retail, and manufacturing. They can also work as management, technical, or scientific consultants. 

According to Glassdoor, the five highest-paid industries for market research analysts, including their average annual salary, are as follows [2]:

1. Aerospace & defense: $102,359

2. Financial services: $90,961

3. Government & public administration: $87,920

4. Information technology: $82,827

5. Pharmaceutical & biotechnology: $82,465 

Location

Geographical location plays a part in the amount of income you take home. Some cities and states pay more than others.

Highest-paying states for market research analysts

The highest-paying states for market research analysts, according to the BLS, and their average annual salary are [6]:

1. Washington: $106,420

2. California: $100,040

3. New York: $96,200

4. Delaware: $94,790

5. New Jersey: $93,100

Highest-paying cities for market research analysts

The highest-paying metropolitan areas for market research analysts, according to the BLS, and their average annual salary are [6]:

1. San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara (CA): $142,360

2. San Francisco, Oakland, and Hayward (CA): $125,670

3. Seattle, Tacoma, and Bellevue (Washington): $114,500

4. New York, Newark, and Jersey City (NY/NJ): $99,600

5. Durham and Chapel Hill (NC): $99,380

How to become a market research analyst

An excellent starting point on your market research analyst career path is an internship you can complete while studying. Doing so allows you to build a strong foundation in the skills and experience you need while working on your academic qualifications. 

You may also consider entry-level roles such as marketing assistant, market research assistant, or account representative. Once you build your credentials, you may qualify for jobs similar to market research analyst as well.

Learn more about market research analysts.

Working as a market research analyst offers many opportunities for movement within your field. Different roles offer different salaries, and you can also maximize your salary by building up your experience and gaining relevant qualifications.

To begin or advance your career as a market research analyst and boost your potential earnings, a great starting point is the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate, an additional credential to add to your resume. It can help open the door to higher-level positions and salaries and help you develop the skills you need to start your career.