Introduction: Business Analyst Salary Entry Level
This article is about business analyst salary entry level. A business analyst plays a critical role in helping organisations identify business needs and develop solutions to business problems. They act as a bridge between IT and business stakeholders, analysing business requirements and processes to design and implement technical solutions. For many, a career as a business analyst represents an excellent way to leverage interpersonal skills and business acumen to drive organisational change and improvement.
If you are considering starting a career as a business analyst straight out of school or switching careers into this growing field, you probably want to know what kind of salary you can expect as an entry level business analyst. Here is a look at typical business analyst salaries for beginners in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.
United States
In the United States, the average entry level business analyst salary is $59,000 per year. However, there is significant variation based on factors like location, industry, company size and experience.
Major metropolitan areas like New York and San Francisco offer higher salaries close to $70,000 for entry level analysts, while smaller markets may start around $50,000 annually. Large corporations also tend to pay more than small or midsize businesses. Candidates with internship experience or specialised skills like analytics proficiency can maximise starting compensation.
According to recruitment firm Robert Half, typical starting salaries range from $52,500 to $72,500 for professionals with up to one year of business analysis experience. Most entry level business analysts in the U.S. can expect to earn between $55,000 and $65,000 in their first BA role.
Canada
The average starting salary for business analysts in Canada is approximately CAD $55,000 per year. Major metro regions like Toronto and Vancouver offer higher salaries in the range of CAD $60,000 to $65,000 for professionals just starting out.
Based on data from recruitment agency Robert Half, new business analysts in Canada are typically offered between CAD $48,000 and $66,500. The lowest 10% of entry level salaries are below CAD $45,000, while the highest 10% exceed CAD $72,500 annually.
Much like in the U.S., business analysts in Canada earn higher salaries working for large corporations compared to small or mid-market firms. Prior internships and specialised skills also boost entry level pay.
United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, entry level business analysts can expect average starting salaries of £25,000 per year. Salaries range widely based on experience and location, from £20,000 on the low end up to £35,000 for new analysts with in-demand skills.
London and other major UK cities offer the highest business analyst salaries for beginners. According to recruitment agency Reed, typical entry level salaries in London are around £30,000. Meanwhile, starting salaries in other regions of England average approximately £22,000 to £28,000 annually.
Beyond location, business analysis interns can command higher starting pay. Also, financial services and technology companies tend to pay more for entry level business analysts in the UK.
Australia
The average entry level business analyst salary in Australia is approximately AU$65,000 per year. For professionals with up to one year of experience, starting salaries often fall between AU$55,000 and AU$75,000 annually.
Major metropolitan hubs like Sydney and Melbourne offer starting salaries toward the top of this range, given the higher costs of living. Business analysts just beginning their careers in these cities can expect to earn AU$70,000 or more. In contrast, salaries for entry level business analysts in Adelaide and Perth tend to start around AU$60,000.
As with other regions, prior internships and tech skills like SQL or ERP systems can help entry level analysts secure higher starting salaries in Australia. Large enterprises also pay more than smaller firms.
New Zealand
In New Zealand, entry level business analysts can expect average starting salaries around NZ$60,000 per year. Typical salaries for beginners fall between NZ$55,000 and NZ$65,000 annually.
In major cities like Auckland and Wellington, business analysts just starting out may earn NZ$65,000 or higher. Meanwhile, salaries in other parts of the country are more likely to start around NZ$55,000 for professionals with minimal experience.
Beyond location, business analysis interns can negotiate higher entry level pay in New Zealand. In-demand expertise like analytics skills or ERP experience also results in above-average starting salaries for new business analysts.
Career Growth and Trajectory
While business analyst salaries for entry level professionals vary across different countries, experienced analysts enjoy strong earning potential across global markets. With several years of business analysis under your belt, it is realistic to reach annual salaries of $80,000+ in the U.S. and Canada, £50,000+ in the UK, AU$100,000+ in Australia, and NZ$80,000+ in New Zealand.
Beyond competitive pay, the business analyst career path offers tremendous opportunities for growth into IT project management, data analytics, enterprise architecture and other lucrative roles. If you have a passion for technology and an analytical mindset, business analysis represents an excellent way to enter the tech sector even without a computer science degree.
Learn more about BA salaries by leading countries here.
Key Takeaways: Business Analyst Salary Entry Level
The article examines typical starting salaries for entry level business analysts in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. It provides an overview of average salaries as well as salary ranges based on location, company size, experience, and skills. Major cities tend to pay more, while large companies offer higher salaries than small or midsize firms. Internships, specialised skills, and certifications can also boost entry pay.
Key takeaways are:
- In the US, entry level business analyst salaries average $59,000 annually, ranging from $52,500-$72,500. Most start between $55,000-$65,000.
- In Canada, average starting salary is CAD $55,000. Salaries range from CAD $48,000-$66,500 but higher in Toronto and Vancouver.
- In the UK, average entry salary is £25,000. London salaries start around £30,000, while other areas are £22,000-£28,000.
- In Australia, starting salaries average AU$65,000 annually, from AU$55,000-$75,000. Major cities pay over AU$70,000.
- In New Zealand, entry pay averages NZ$60,000, ranging from NZ$55,000-NZ$65,000. Auckland and Wellington pay NZ$65,000+.
- Experience, certifications, internships, and in-demand skills boost entry pay in all countries.
- Strong growth potential to over $80,000 in US/Canada, £50,000+ in UK, AU$100,000+ in Australia, and NZ$80,000+ in New Zealand.