IT Business Analyst: Duties, Salary, and How to Become One

An IT business analyst is a strategic problem-solver who contributes to the success of an IT department for a company. The work they do is similar to that of a business analyst, but they focus their attention on the technology systems used by an organization. If you enjoy analyzing people and systems, solving problems, crunching numbers, and keeping up to date with the latest information technology trends, an IT business analyst career may be a good fit.

In this article, you'll learn more about IT business analysts, including their duties, pay, and how to become one. You'll also explore related jobs and find suggested courses to help you build the skills needed to join this impactful career path.

What is an IT business analyst?

An IT business analyst is a professional who analyzes IT systems and solves problems related to a company's technology needs. In this role, you'll evaluate the company's current technology and talk to stakeholders to understand how well the IT system works and what could be improved. You'll also recommend solutions, including upgrades and installations, that can help increase productivity and align with the organization's goals and strategies. This requires keeping up with the latest trends in IT.

Read more: What Is IT Management and How Does it Help Businesses?

What does an IT business analyst do?

IT business analysts mostly focus on understanding, analyzing, and recommending information technology systems, such as by suggesting new software or planning an implementation.

As an analyst, you'll be tasked with performing cost-benefit analyses on different technology solutions for an organization. As an IT professional, meanwhile, you'll have to find the right technology solutions to address the company's needs. Ultimately, then, you'll apply your understanding of business processes and technology systems to identify areas where systems fall short and ways to improve them.

Although specific job duties can vary between organizations, the following list outlines some of the more common responsibilities of an IT business analyst. You may be asked to do any or all of these:

• Collecting and analyzing data regarding the organization and IT users

• Overseeing the implementation of IT solutions

• Analyzing business operations based on IT data

• Coordinating communication between IT and other departments

• Creating forecasts and budgets 

• Identifying risks in current and proposed IT systems

• Recommending software and hardware solutions for IT systems

• Researching industry trends and IT solutions

• Creating reports

IT business analyst salary and job outlook

The job outlook and career prospects for management analysts are strong, in part because of the way these roles extend across multiple industries. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in this field are growing as fast or faster than average. It expects increased demand specifically for IT consultants.

The median salary for management analysts is $95,290, with the lowest earning less than $55,590 per year and the highest earning more than $167,650 [1]. Computer systems analysts earn a median wage of $102,240 [2].

How to become an IT business analyst: Step-by-step guide

Becoming an IT business analyst requires training and job experience relevant to the job. You may start with a foundation in information technology and add business components. Alternatively, you may begin studying the business side of the role and enhance it with technology training. Some IT business analysts are former consultants or interns with project management experience.

1. Get a job-relevant degree

To become an IT business analyst, you'll likely need at least a bachelor's degree in information technology, business, computer systems, or a related field. Some employers may also prefer candidates with a master's degree, like a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in technology. However, a bachelor's degree can get you in the door with an entry-level position within a company and work your way up. 

Read more: Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science: A Guide

2. Gain relevant work experience

IT business analysts are tasked with the important responsibility of analyzing existing IT systems, identifying their gaps and needs, and developing solutions to ensure organizations can run as efficiently as possible. In effect, many employers may prefer candidates with relevant prior work experience in a related position, such as in a junior IT, business, or data analyst role. Some IT business analysts may even be former consultants or interns with project management experience.

Read more: Entry-Level Analyst Jobs, Salaries, and Skills to Get Hired

3. Build IT business analyst skills

You'll need a combination of technical and human skills to succeed as an IT business analyst. While some days you may be tasked with reading industry materials, reviewing products, and analyzing computer systems, other days you'll need to communicate your findings and recommendations to key organizational stakeholders.

At a glance, some of the skills you'll likely need as an IT business analyst include:

• Attention to detail

• Communication

• Critical thinking

• Data analysis

• Negotiation

• Organization

• Problem-solving

• Project management

• Teamwork

• Knowledge of IT systems

Read more: 7 In-Demand IT Skills to Boost Your Resume 

4. Consider certification

You may not need a certification to land an IT business analyst job, but earning one may boost your job prospects. Earning a certificate sets you apart from other candidates and helps balance your education. For example, IT certificates can demonstrate your skills in information technology, while business certificates highlight your knowledge of the business side of things.

Here are some certifications to consider:

• Agile Analysis Certification (AAC)

• Business Analysis Professionals (CBAPs) 

• Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP)]

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)

• Certified Professional for Requirements Engineering (CPRE)

• Entry Certificate in Business Analysis (ECBA)

• Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect

• Professional in Business Analysis (PBA)

Read more: 10 Essential IT Certifications for 2024

5. Apply for IT business analyst jobs and explore your career path

Your career path as an IT business analyst can include promotions and lateral moves depending on the organization's needs and your interests. You may begin your career as a project coordinator, which allows you to learn how to organize resources, maintain budgets, and meet deadlines. From there, you may seek positions as a project manager, senior business analyst, and technology architect.

You also may be interested in seeing how IT roles related to a business analyst career compare. Many of these positions share similar skills and management styles. Some of the related jobs (and their salaries) that you may pursue on your career journey include [3,4,5]:

Find a business analyst course to get started today.

Your career as an IT business analyst starts with training. Consider a bachelor's degree like the Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of London. You also can pursue a graduate degree like the Master of Computer and Information Technologyfrom Penn Engineering.

If you already have a degree, you can continue building your knowledge base with certifications like the Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate. You can find these degrees, certifications, and more on Coursera.