Business Analyst Salary
by City (2026)
Analyze business processes and requirements to recommend technology or process improvements. National median: $85K/year. See how your city compares.
Business Analyst salary by city
Sorted by median salaryCOL-adjusted: where does your salary go furthest?
A $85K Business Analyst salary in Houston (COL 91, no tax) has significantly more purchasing power than the same salary in San Francisco (COL 224, 9.3% state tax). Use our calculator to see the real numbers.
Try COL Calculator βBusiness Analyst Salary Guide (2026)
The national median salary for a Business Analyst is $85,000 per year. Entry-level positions typically start at $62,000, while experienced professionals in the top 25% earn $112,000 or more. The highest-paid 10% of Business Analysts nationally earn $145,000+.
Education and requirements
Bachelor's in Business, IT, or related; CBAP certification. This role is 55% remote-eligible nationally, which significantly expands the geographic job market for workers in lower cost-of-living cities.
Salary growth outlook
Business Analyst compensation is growing at 3.8% annually, above the national average wage growth rate.
Business Analyst salary FAQ
How much does a Business Analyst make?
The median Business Analyst salary in the US is $85,000 per year β about $41/hour. Most earn between $62,000 (25th percentile) and $112,000 (75th percentile).
What is the starting salary for a Business Analyst?
Entry-level Business Analyst positions typically start around $62,000 per year. Pay rises with experience, specialization, and location.
How much do the highest-paid Business Analysts earn?
The top 10% of Business Analysts earn $145,000 or more per year β usually senior, lead, or specialized professionals in high-cost or high-demand markets.
Which city pays Business Analysts the most?
San Francisco has the highest median Business Analyst salary at $128K among the cities we track. But high-cost metros like San Francisco and New York often have lower real purchasing power once cost of living and taxes are factored in.
Are Business Analyst salaries going up?
Yes β Business Analyst pay is growing about 3.8% year over year, above the US average wage-growth rate.