Business Analyst vs Data Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Business Analyst
Analyse business processes and requirements to improve operations.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
Business Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $1,806/year (2%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Business Analyst vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Business Analyst | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,488 | $159,571 | Business +$2,917 |
| New York, NY | $138,720 | $139,639 | Business $919 |
| Seattle, WA | $141,411 | $134,202 | Business +$7,209 |
| Austin, TX | $105,822 | $108,160 | Business $2,338 |
| Chicago, IL | $109,660 | $105,957 | Business +$3,703 |
| Boston, MA | $139,433 | $129,885 | Business +$9,548 |
| London, UK | £74,500 | £76,417 | Business $1,917 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,751 | CA$124,715 | Business +$2,036 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Business Analyst or Data Analyst earn more?+
A Business Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Business Analyst is $96,735/year, compared to $94,929/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $1,806 (2%).
Which has better career growth — Business Analyst or Data Analyst?+
Business Analyst roles are growing at 14% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Business Analyst to Data Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in adjacent fields. Shared skills include: SQL.
Which is harder to automate — Business Analyst or Data Analyst?+
Data Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (50% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.