What Is an ERP Analyst, and How Do I Become One?

Key takeaways

An ERP analyst helps companies manage various business processes through a custom software system called an ERP program.

• ERP analysts earn a median total salary of $106,000 per year [1].

• ERP systems are versatile. They can streamline inventory tracking and enhance delivery for some businesses, while managing financial data and generating real-time reports for others.

• You can first become proficient in information technology (IT) before progressing into the field of ERP.

As an ERP analyst, you’ll support organizations in launching initiatives and researching ERP systems. To pursue a career as an ERP analyst, consider enrolling in the University of Minnesota’s Information Systems Specialization. This four-course program introduces key ERP software and can help you build practical skills for planning and executing ERP solutions in as little as four weeks.

What is an ERP analyst?

An ERP analyst has expertise in information technology and some business knowledge, which helps set up and maintain an effective ERP program. An ERP analyst custom-designs ERP programs for companies to make them more operational and efficient. For instance, ERP can help track inventory and improve product delivery for one company, store financial data, or generate instant financial reports for another.

ERP also offers these benefits:

• It allows for data-sharing across companies

• It increases accuracy by removing redundancy 

• It reduces costs by streamlining financial systems

• It makes sales processes more straightforward and efficient

What does ERP stand for?

ERP stands for enterprise resource planning, a system that integrates core business functions into one digital platform. It helps businesses make better decisions and operate more efficiently by supporting functions like finance, logistics, and data management. ERP tools are frequently used in a variety of industries to streamline internal procedures and unify workflows. ERP software reduces delays and boosts efficiency by assisting manufacturers in integrating supply chain logistics with production schedules.

What does an ERP analyst do?

An ERP analyst meets with company heads to gather information and set up and integrate an ERP program. The analyst decides which applications best suit the business to ensure the program meets the company’s needs. Once running, the analyst tests and monitors the program and makes changes as needed.

ERP analyst duties and responsibilities

Knowing an ERP analyst's daily duties and responsibilities can help you decide whether this career suits you. Depending on the type of company or industry, your work duties and responsibilities might include:

• Obtaining and analyzing customer data

• Analyzing operational processes and procedures

• Developing and testing the ERP program

• Troubleshooting the ERP program and making changes as needed

• Coordinating testing with employees and department heads

• Attending relevant company meetings

• Creating regular ERP performance reports

• Making presentations to employees and stakeholders

Skills ERP analysts need

As an ERP analyst, you can benefit from two categories of skills: technical and workplace. Technical skills help you complete work tasks, and workplace skills help you interact with others on the job. Unlike technical skills that pertain to a specific job, workplace skills transfer to almost any position you might hold because they are relevant to nearly every workplace.

Technical skills that can help you in an ERP analyst position include:

• Coding

• Experience with big data and data management

• Knowledge of HR management techniques

• Knowledge of predictive analytics

• Project management skills

• Industry-specific skills like accounting and finance, supply chain management, or product purchase and procurement

Workplace skills that benefit you in this and other jobs include:

• Ability to stay organized

• Analytical skills

• Communication

• Problem-solving

• Team building skills

ERP analyst salary and job outlook

According to Glassdoor, an ERP analyst in the US earns a median total salary of $106,000 per year [1]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation. With pay bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities, earnings could rise even higher.

In addition to solid earning potential, the job outlook for ERP analysts also appears bright based on information from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects employment for computer systems analysts to grow by 9 percent in the decade from 2024 to 2034. This growth is higher than average compared to other occupations [2].

Career advancement options

As an ERP analyst, you can pursue multiple career advancement options. To give you an idea of where you could go, your career path might look like this:

• ERP Analyst→Senior ERP Analyst→ERP Director

A senior ERP analyst can earn a median total salary of $136,000 per year [3], while an ERP director can earn $143,000 per year [4]. All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of November 2025. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

How to become an ERP analyst in 3 steps

When pursuing a career as an ERP analyst, it helps to have a strategy. Consider following these three steps:

1. Earn a bachelor's degree.

As mentioned, an ERP analyst position requires specific technical skills. To learn these skills and more, consider earning a bachelor's degree in one of the following fields:

• Computer science

• Computer engineering

• Computer programming

• Information systems

Because ERP analysts also benefit from business knowledge, you may want to minor in business administration or management.

2. Get experience.

Gaining professional experience can help you prepare for a career as an ERP analyst. To gain valuable knowledge and experience, read books, watch how-to videos, and practice using ERP software like Oracle NetSuite or SAP Business One. You can also gain experience working in an entry-level job in computer science or business.

For hands-on work experience, consider applying for an internship. An internship allows you to learn ERP-specific skills, and it looks good on a resume. To find an internship, contact local companies directly or check job boards in your area or the career center at your college or university.

Read more: Computer Science Internships: Your Guide

3. Consider earning a certification. 

Earning an ERP certification can help build your knowledge and give you the technical skills needed to do the job. It can also raise your confidence and set you apart from other ERP analyst candidates. This certification verifies your knowledge of ERP software and competency in using it. Many ERP software brands offer various certifications, or you can take a more general ERP course in your community or online. For example, Oracle offers ERP certifications in several areas, including financials, project management, plus risk management and compliance.

Discover more through our free resources

If you’d like to launch your career as an ERP analyst or in a related field, consider subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, for career advice. You can also learn more through our free resources below:

• Subscribe to YouTube: What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

• Learn IT terminology: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary

• Bookmark for productivity: ChatGPT Prompt Sheet 

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