This video focuses mostly on 3 styles of employment, full-time employee, consultant at a consulting company, and independent contractor in the context of large organizations with complex needs.
The business analyst salaries you’ll see here are based on US averages (glassdoor.com). The actual salary you make as a business analyst will depend on the company and region you live in. For example, a business analyst in San Francisco will make more than a Business Analyst in Atlanta (cost of living and stuff like that).
If you aren’t sure exactly where you fit into the different levels of salary, check the breakdown of Levels of Business Analyst Professionals.
Keep in mind that as you progress in your career, you may not necessarily always go by the title “Business Analyst”. To see more comprehensive write-ups check out business analyst career path.
0-5 years of related experience
You perform routine assignments as required for an entry-level BA role. Solves a range of straightforward problems; analyzes possible solutions using standard procedures.
5-8+ years of related experience
Uses best practices and knowledge of internal or external business issues to improve products or services; Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective using existing solutions; Works independently; receives minimal guidance
Masters Degree
10+ years of related experience
Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience. Provides input on enterprise-wide technology planning, decisions, and processes.
Masters Degree
10+ years of related experience
Is recognized as an expert within the organization; Anticipates internal and or external business challenges and/or regulatory issues; recommends process, product, or service improvements. Operates with no supervision in a complex environment.
This concept map illustrates at a high level, the role of the business analyst and the part they play in the business landscape.
The video below gives a great, simple man’s explanation, of what business analysis is all about. Below that are some sample ranges, as well as links to Salary.com’s business analysis salary information. An important thing to remember is that, titles can vary across companies and you should remember that many of the titles revolve around the same role (business analyst). Example alternate titles: business systems analyst, functional analyst, requirements analyst, etc ! There are also pathways business analyst can take that become larger or become more specialized, like enterprise architect or business process analyst. Both are common pathways for business analyst, so I included them
A Business Analyst (BA) is someone who analyzes the existing or ideal organization and design of systems, including businesses, departments, and organizations. BAs also assess business models and their integration with technology. –Wikipedia