Master’s in Business Analytics Salary Guide

If you’ve been noticing more job ads for business analysts lately, you’re not imagining it. It’s the most in-demand job in information technology and engineering, according to a 2025 industry report.¹ As companies rely more on data, they need numbers-savvy professionals to help them tame their spreadsheets and make informed, strategic decisions.

A master’s degree can prepare you for more advanced roles in this exciting field and give you the essential skills you need to thrive. But is it worth it from a financial perspective? The short answer is yes. People with a master’s degree earn 19% more than those who only hold a bachelor’s degree.²

This post breaks down salary information for master’s in business analytics graduates, so you can weigh the return on investment (ROI) for yourself.

Average Salary for Master’s in Business Analytics (MSBA) Graduates

If you’re considering a career in business analytics, you’re probably curious about the salary potential. While there are plenty of reasons to pursue a graduate degree, like personal fulfillment and networking, the financial dimensions, such as ROI, are also essential to consider.

Across all careers, people with a master’s degree tend to earn more. They earn a median of $1,840 per week, while workers with only a bachelor’s degree earn $1,543.² That difference may seem modest, but it adds up over time.

This salary gap is still present when you look specifically at business analytics. The average annual salary master’s in business analytics graduates attain is $80,350, but salaries range from $30,000 to $142,500.³

Salary by Job Role

As you research career paths, resist the urge to only look at data about business analysts. Many professions fall under the umbrella of business analytics, and they all have different median salaries. Here are a few potential career paths to consider:

Data Analyst

Average salary: $82,640⁴

Data analysts are the frontline professionals in the data world. They gather and clean raw data from many different sources, from the stock market to TikTok. They use this information to spot patterns, answer questions and help business leaders make decisions.⁵ For example, a data analyst working for a fashion company might analyze sales and social media data to predict the hottest summer clothing trend.

Business Intelligence Analyst

Average salary: $99,864⁶

People often use business intelligence and business analytics interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Business intelligence focuses on using data to manage day-to-day operations, while analytics uses information to grow a company. A business intelligence professional might track absenteeism and productivity to find new ways to engage employees.⁷

Data Scientist

Average salary: $122,738⁸

Data scientists are the nitty-gritty counterparts to data analysts. They use more advanced techniques, such as machine learning and academic research methods, to analyze data and often share their findings directly with clients and higher-ups.⁹

Analytics Director

Average salary: $158,116¹⁰

Analytics directors have a broad range of responsibilities to match their lucrative salaries. These senior leaders oversee the entire data collection and analysis process for their organizations, often working across departments.¹¹

Other Emerging Roles

As vast, complex datasets become the norm, businesses need skilled professionals to help wrangle and understand them. For example, streaming services like Spotify use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to sift through data and discern users’ tastes, habits and preferences.¹²

Because these roles involve more advanced skills and tools, they often come with lucrative salaries. Big data analysts earn an average of $123,210 per year.¹³

Salary by Industry

The salary master’s in business analytics graduates attain can vary drastically between sectors, even for analysts with similar job duties. The following are business analyst salary ranges by industry:

• Business technology: $83,000 to $124,000¹⁴ 
• Consulting: $111,000 to $132,500¹⁴ 
• Finance: $66,500 to $103,500¹⁴
• Healthcare: $76,000 to $150,000¹⁴ 
• Retail: $60,000 to $138,000¹⁵
• Systems, Applications and Products (SAP): $104,500 to $140,000¹⁴

Salary by Location

Location also has a major impact on the average salary for professionals with a master’s in business analytics. In the United States, analysts tend to earn more in tech hubs, such as the following:³

• Cupertino, CA: $99,131
• Berkeley, CA: $98,384
• Mountain View, CA: $94,787

If you’re interested in taking your degree abroad, salaries can vary significantly. In Singapore, business analysts earn an average of $91,430 per year,¹⁶ while their counterparts in London make around £52,970.¹⁷

Cost of living matters, too. The starting salary for a professional with a master’s in business analytics is likely higher in San Francisco than in a small town in Texas. But the Texas professional’s paycheck may give them more buying power, even if it looks smaller on paper.

Other Factors That Influence Salary

Location and industry aren’t the only factors that can affect the salary for a professional with a master’s in business analytics. Salary may also be influenced by the following:

• Advanced skills, such as machine learning and Python
• Level of experience 
• Networking and professional certifications 
• The size of the employer  

For example, 14% of business analysts say their salary increased after earning a certificate, and 9% were promoted.¹⁸

Long-Term Career Growth and ROI

A master’s in business analytics starting salary can help you boost your lifetime earnings. As your base salary increases, bonuses and raises may increase as well. And that’s not the only perk. This degree can also unlock leadership roles, which often come with higher wages to match the increased responsibilities. For example, a business analyst could get promoted to marketing manager or supply chain manager.¹⁹

Plus, attending a school with a strong reputation in business analytics may help you win over potential employers and connect with ambitious alumni.

Grow Your Earning Potential With an Online MSBA

The average salary for a professional with a master’s in business analytics is around $80,000, but many professionals earn even more. This degree can also lead to more intangible benefits, such as a broader network and more confidence in your skills.

Strengthen your data analysis and leadership skills with an Online Master of Science in Business Analytics (OMSBA) from William & Mary. Through our rigorous curriculum, you’ll study essential topics, such as decision modeling, machine learning and predictive analytics, and learn how to turn data into business growth. The OMSBA program also features a capstone project that invites you to solve real business challenges with your newfound skills.

Explore our admissions requirements, or schedule an appointment with an admissions outreach advisor to learn more.