IT Business Analyst: Duties, Salary, and How to Become One

An IT business analyst is a strategic problem-solver who contributes to the success of a company's IT department. The work they do is similar to that of a business analyst, but they focus their attention on the technology systems used by an organization. If you enjoy analyzing people and systems, solving problems, crunching numbers, and keeping up to date with the latest information technology trends, an IT business analyst career may be a good fit.

What is an IT business analyst?

IT business analysts mostly focus on understanding, analyzing, and recommending information technology systems by suggesting new software or planning an implementation.

As an analyst, you'll be tasked with performing cost-benefit analyses on different technology solutions for an organization. As an IT professional, you'll have to find the right technology solutions to address the company's needs. Ultimately, you'll apply your understanding of business processes and technology systems to identify areas where systems fall short and ways to improve them.

Although specific job duties can vary between organizations, the following list outlines some of the more common responsibilities of an IT business analyst. You may be asked to do any or all of these:

• Collect and analyze data regarding the organization and IT users

• Oversee the implementation of IT solutions

• Carry out analysis of business operations based on IT data.

• Coordinate communication between IT and other departments.

• Provide information to stakeholders creating forecasts and budgets 

• Identify risks in current and proposed IT systems

• Recommend software and hardware

• Research industry trends and IT solutions

• Create reports

How to become an IT business analyst

Becoming an IT business analyst requires training and work experience relevant to the job. You may start with a foundation in information technology and add business components. Alternatively, you may begin studying the business side of the role and enhance it with technology training. Some IT business analysts are former consultants or interns with project management experience.

1. Consider a job-relevant degree.

To become an IT business analyst, you need at least a bachelor's degree in information technology, business, computer systems, or a related field. A bachelor's degree can typically get you in the door with an entry-level position within a company and then you can work your way up. 

2. Build IT business analyst skills.

You need technical and human skills to succeed as an IT business analyst, including research and communication. Your work can involve reading industry materials, reviewing products, and developing your understanding of computer systems. At the same time, you have to communicate your findings and recommendations. These skills can be beneficial to your career:

• Attention to detail

• Communication

• Critical thinking

• Data analysis

• Negotiation

• Organization

• Problem-solving

• Project management

• Teamwork

3. Consider certifications.

You may not need a certification to land an IT business analyst job, but earning one may boost your job prospects. Earning a certification sets you apart from other candidates and helps balance your education. For example, IT certifications can demonstrate your skills in information technology, while business certifications highlight your knowledge of the business side of things. Here are some certifications to consider:

• Agile Analysis Certification (AAC)

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)]

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

• Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE)

• Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)

• Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

• Professional in Business Analysis (PBA)

4. Apply for IT business analyst jobs and explore your career path

Your career path as an IT business analyst can include promotions and lateral moves depending on the organization's needs and your interests. You may begin your career as a project coordinator, which allows you to learn how to organize resources, maintain budgets, and meet deadlines. From there, you may seek positions as a project manager, senior business analyst, and technology architect.

IT business analyst salary and career outlook

The job outlook and career prospects for management analysts are strong because these roles extend across multiple industries. According to the Government of Canada Job Bank, this field's job outlook ranges from moderate to very good, depending on which province of Canada you explore [1].

The median hourly wage for IT analysts in Canada is $43.27 CAD, with the lowest earning being $26.73 CAD per hour and the highest earning being more than $62.09 CAD per hour [2].

IT roles related to a business analyst (with salaries)

You also may be interested in seeing how IT roles related to a business analyst career compare. Many of these positions share similar skills and management styles. Consider these related roles and their median hourly wages:

• Computer network architect: $46.63 CAD [3]

• Computer programmer:  $41.54 CAD [4]

• Computer systems network architect: $46.63 CAD [5]

• Database administrator: $40.87 CAD [6]

• Database architect: $40.87 CAD [7]

• Information technology security analyst: $43.59 CAD [8]

• Network system administrator: $32.00 CAD [9]

• Web developer: $36.06 CAD [10]

• Computer systems analyst: $43.59 CAD [11]

IT business analyst jobs and career path

Your career path as an IT business analyst can include promotions and lateral moves depending on the organization's needs and your interests. You may begin your career as a project coordinator, which allows you to learn how to organize resources, maintain budgets, and meet deadlines. From there, you may seek positions as a project manager, senior business analyst, and technology architect.

Find a business analyst course to get started today.

Your career as an IT business analyst starts with training. Consider a bachelor's degree like the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London. If you already have a degree, you can continue building your knowledge base with certifications like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. You can find these degrees, certificates, and more on Coursera.