IT Business Analyst: Jobs, Skills, Career Paths, and Salaries

An IT business analyst, sometimes called a business analyst, is a strategic problem-solver who contributes to the success of an IT department for a company. The work you’ll do in this job is similar to that of a business analyst but with a focus on organisations’ technology systems. If you enjoy analysing people and systems, solving problems, crunching numbers, and keeping up with the latest information technology trends, an IT business analyst career may be a good fit. 

Continue reading to explore the role of an IT business analyst, including common tasks, how you can begin this career path, and the salaries associated with the position.

What is an IT business analyst?

An IT business analyst analyses and solves problems related to a company's technology needs. In this position, you will evaluate the company's current technology and talk to stakeholders to understand how well the IT system works and what they could improve. You also recommend solutions, including upgrades and installations, to help increase productivity and align with the organisation's goals and strategies. Ongoing success requires keeping up with the latest trends in IT.

What are the responsibilities of an IT business analyst?

An IT business analyst mainly deals with information technology systems, with duties such as recommending new software or planning an implementation. Under the analyst side of the job title, you may perform cost/benefit analysis for company stakeholders deciding whether to purchase technology components. As an information technology professional, you find the right technology solutions to address the company's needs. Ultimately, you will apply your understanding of business processes and technology systems to identify areas of need and how to fill them.

Although specific job duties can vary between organisations, the following list outlines some of the more common responsibilities of an IT business analyst. Your employer may ask you to perform duties such as:

• Collect and analyse data regarding the organisation 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

Required skills for an IT business analyst

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

• Organisation

• Problem-solving

• Project management

• Teamwork

Steps to becoming 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. Pursue your education.

To become an IT business analyst, earning your bachelor's degree in business information systems, business, computer science, economics, or a related field is a good idea. Some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree, particularly if your undergraduate degree is in a field not related to IT. However, a bachelor's degree can get you in the door with an entry-level position within a company, and you can then work your way up. 

Alternatively, if you have earned four or five GCSEs and A levels, you might consider pursuing an apprenticeship such as a business analyst level 4 higher apprenticeship, which can teach you some of the necessary skills for this position.

2. Explore additional credentials.

You may not need a certification to land an IT business analyst job, but earning one may boost your job prospects and act as a great way to showcase your talents. Earning a credential sets you apart from other candidates and helps balance your education. 

For example, IT credentials can demonstrate your skills in information technology, while ones in business highlight your knowledge of that side of things. Some credentials to consider:

• Agile Analysis Certification (AAC)

• Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst (CFLBA)

• Professional in Business Analysis (PBA)

• Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

• Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE)

• Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

IT business analyst career outlook and salary

The job outlook and career prospects for IT business analysts are strong partly because these roles extend across multiple industries. According to Statista, from 2011 to 2023, the number of IT business analysts working in the UK grew from 90,000 to more than 177,000, which indicates a steady increase in positions [1].   

According to August 2024 data from Glassdoor UK, the average base salary for IT business analysts is £48,125 per year. The lowest salary is less than £35,000 annually, and the highest exceeds £57,000 [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. The average annual salaries for these positions include:

*All annual salary data is sourced from Glassdoor UK as of August 2024 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits

• Computer systems analyst: £37,677 per year

• Computer network architect:  £51,631 per year  

• Computer programmer:  £39,179 per year  

• Database administrator:  £34,784 per year 

• Database architect:  £65,510 per year 

• Information security analyst:  £40,276 per year 

• Network and computer systems administrator:  £32,911 per year 

• Web developer:  £33,424 per year  

IT business analyst jobs and career path

Your career path as an IT business analyst can include promotions and lateral moves depending on the organisation's needs and your interests. You will likely begin your career as an entry-level IT business analyst. Still, once you gain experience working on various projects, you can transition into an upper-level role, such as senior IT business analyst. After proving your abilities and developing a sound reputation, you can advance into a position at the director or executive level. Finally, after acquiring years of experience, you might consider becoming a consultant or starting your own business.

Find a business analyst course to get started today

When considering a future career, you might find that working as an IT business analyst matches your interests, especially if you enjoy solving problems, working with technology, and collaborating with others.

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, continue building your knowledge base with Professional Certificates like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate.  Find degrees, Professional Certificates, and more on Coursera.