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Job outlook for applications analysts in the United States
Applications analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected applications analyst job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for applications analysts are projected over the next decade.
Applications analyst salaries have increased 8% for applications analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 68,017 applications analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 110,833 active applications analyst job openings in the US.
The average applications analyst salary is $80,144.
Are applications analyst jobs in demand?
Applications analyst job and salary trends over time
Applications analyst jobs over time
Applications analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 68,017 | 0.02% |
| 2020 | 104,978 | 0.03% |
| 2019 | 51,239 | 0.02% |
| 2018 | 85,907 | 0.03% |
| 2017 | 85,002 | 0.03% |
Average applications analyst salary over time
Applications analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $80,144 | $38.53 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $77,503 | $37.26 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $75,749 | $36.42 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $75,348 | $36.22 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $74,451 | $35.79 | +1.7% |
Applications analyst jobs by state
Most common states for applications analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 649 | 94% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,414 | 29% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,620 | 24% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,378 | 23% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 221 | 23% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 209 | 20% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 126 | 20% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 731 | 18% |
| 9 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 975 | 17% |
| 10 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 519 | 17% |
| 11 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 904 | 16% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 303 | 16% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 219 | 16% |
| 14 | Alaska | 739,795 | 117 | 16% |
| 15 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,907 | 15% |
| 16 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,563 | 15% |
| 17 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,335 | 15% |
| 18 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,074 | 15% |
| 19 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 966 | 14% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 489 | 14% |
Most common cities for applications analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Burlington | 4 | 16% | $79,707 |
| 2 | Fort Myers | 8 | 10% | $76,456 |
| 3 | Bethel Park | 3 | 9% | $80,951 |
| 4 | Oakland | 7 | 2% | $99,637 |
| 5 | Fort Wayne | 6 | 2% | $75,963 |
| 6 | Indianapolis | 6 | 1% | $75,733 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 3 | 1% | $75,091 |
| 8 | Houston | 6 | 0% | $76,294 |
| 9 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $84,352 |
Applications Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of applications analyst experts
UMass Lowell
Merrimack College
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of Washington
Widener University
University of Southern Maine
Xavier University
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: Remember that your first job does not define your career. You may build a career around that first job or you may use it as a valuable learning experience to change careers at some point. Eventually, what we call our careers are only really seen in hindsight. They are part of a narrative we construct about ourselves. So, don't worry to much about whether you are on the 'right path'. The right path is the one you chose at the time given the constraints and alternatives before you. But make the most of every opportunity you can to learn more about yourself - what you like, what you don't like, and what you find fulfilling about your work.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: Obviously we are seeing a tremendous increase in AI and other digital technologies. These will become a more crucial skill set for many careers going forward. But I wouldn't downplay the role of what are traditionally seen as soft skills like empathy, communications, and judgment. Not only can these distinguish you from robots but from your human competitors as well.
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.: If all you want is the highest potential starting salary, then you should aim for careers that offer them. But that is a shortsighted way to view things. For example, many careers that have tournament-like pay structures (think entertainment) often have very low starting salaries but the so-called winners enjoy outsized financial gains. If you are thinking about a more traditional career, I think it's important to make sure you are more valuable to your employer than they are to you. This means you have to market yourself, both to your current employer as well as to potential ones. Of course, this approach may not be for everyone and maximizing your salary potential is only one thing you should be considering when assessing job and career opportunities.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Digital literacy: As technology continues to evolve, proficiency in digital tools and platforms will become increasingly essential. Adaptability: The ability to quickly learn new skills and adapt to changing circumstances will be crucial in a rapidly evolving industry landscape. Data literacy: Understanding and analyzing data will become more important for making informed decisions and optimizing strategies. Interdisciplinary skills: The ability to work across different disciplines and collaborate effectively with diverse teams will be highly valued. Emotional intelligence: Soft skills such as empathy, communication, and teamwork will continue to be in demand as workplaces become more interconnected and dynamic.
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Reshad Osmani PhD: As a new graduate starting your career, I recommend staying curious, being open to learning from others, seeking feedback, building networks, and being proactive in tackling challenges. Keep developing your analytical skills, stay adaptable, and remember that mistakes are opportunities for growth. Learning by doing should be your number one priority.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Reshad Osmani PhD: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career, consider the following strategies: negotiate your starting salary based on market research, demonstrate your value through accomplishments, seek out opportunities for advancement and growth, continuously improve your skills, consider additional certifications or degrees, and be willing to explore job opportunities that offer competitive compensation packages.
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Reshad Osmani PhD: In the next 3-5 years, skills like data analysis, digital literacy, adaptability, emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills are likely to become even more important across various fields due to the increasing influence of technology, automation, and remote work trends. Additionally, skills related to cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and sustainability may also gain prominence.
Renee Robinson Ph.D.
Professor of CommunicationWhat general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: How can you maximize your salary potential when starting your career in your field?
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: What skills do you think will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years?
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: That would be awesome! We were hoping you could answer the following questions: 1. What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career in the field?
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Rebecca MacGowan: My general advice is to work backwards and start your career by thinking about what you want to achieve long term. When you think about your career in ten or twenty years, what position are you in? Once you have an idea of the type of position you would like to be in during the middle and/or late stage of your career, go on LinkedIn and look up individuals who currently hold that position and see what their career trajectory was. What positions provided them the stepping stones to achieve the career you currently aspire to? By working backwards, you can ensure that your initial position is setting you up for your long-term goals. Additionally, what you are likely to find when you look at the career paths of different folks is that there are often many paths leading to your ideal future position. Hopefully, this broadens your perspective regarding what position you need right now and how different positions can help set you up for your desired future career. Often, unless we are exceptionally fortunate, our first career after undergraduate isn’t going to be our ideal position, but with proper planning, it can be the first step towards our ideal position.
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): Skills that will become more important in the future are understanding quality measures. Six Sigma Lean principles are very applicable to what we do and help to keep a balanced workflow. A second thing is to understand that you and your coworkers are human. Find resilience tools that help you to keep a calm focus and practice good communication. Stay connected to national organizations for articles and training to stay connected to the future.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): To maximize your salary potential, obtain some experience while you are in school. If there is a clinic to volunteer at or a student job in a lab, take it. Higher pay is almost always offered to the evening and night shift technicians. If your new workplace is on 8-hour nights or evenings, create a schedule where evenings and nights do 10s or 12s and suggest it to the leadership. This makes a much better work-life balance.
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Rebecca Bird MAS, BS MT(ASCP): As a new graduate, remember why you decided on this career. Was it because you liked to help people? Then remember your results are improving the quality of life for another person. Is it because you like detective work? Then view each sample as a puzzle to work through. Is it because you want to further your education? Then never stop learning.
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Ning Ye Ph.D.: First of all, the ability to understand and interpret data will be key as businesses increasingly use data analytics for decision-making. One area where there will be huge demand is in data analytics, business intelligence, and data visualization. Secondly, I think the ability to adapt fast and bounce back after a failure is going to be more crucial than ever. This encompasses; embracing new ideas, learning from past mistakes, having a positive attitude when faced with adversities. Emotional intelligence (EQ) together with leadership abilities are also important for any employee. This involves knowing how to control your feelings, being able to share others' pain, and leading different teams in a globalized changing world.
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.
Perlroth Professor of Int’l. BusinessWhat Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof. Mohammad Elahee Ph.D.: A combination of both hard and soft skills will be needed to survive in this ‘dog eat dog world’. Hard skills that will be in high demand are familiarity with new AI- and machine-driven technologies and quantitative reasoning. Soft skills that employers will be looking for include emotional intelligence, communication and interpersonal skills and a “can do attitude”. Paradoxical though it may sound, AI would actually create more demand for people with emotional and social intelligence.
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Marilyn Krogh: Statistical and communication skills are always in demand, and familiarity with a little AI would be a bonus.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Marilyn Krogh: Know yourself—take time to identify and name your own strengths, interests and priorities in your work life. Take advantage of the services from your university career development center.
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Marilyn Krogh: Have a strong undergraduate portfolio, do an internship before graduation, and be willing to 'go an extra mile' for your employer.
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Jennifer Barr PhD: Embrace a lifelong learning mindset at the outset. Read case books about successful organizations, notable leaders and new business practices.
Establish an unwavering reputation as a disciplined and responsible worker.
Strive to be an excellent listener. Your attention to detail will be noticed as evidenced through your work.
Be creative and take risks. Suggest an idea to your supervisor about how to improve a procedure or system. This will position you as an early career problem solver.
Seize every opportunity to grow and build key skills including communication, interpersonal, critical thinking and technology.
Recognize the strong correlation between emotional intelligence and success. This is particularly important as you advance in your career.
Cultivate mentorship opportunities and network as much as possible. Eventually step into a mentorship role.
Honesty, integrity and character matter. Be true to yourself and never deviate from your moral compass. Listen to your instincts always.
Create a strong LinkedIn profile and update regularly. It is one of the top recruiting sites.
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
David Hart: So the field of Business Analyst can encompass interacting with different department managers on a daily bases. Quite often they will be required to interpret large amounts of data from the various departments each day to look at trends either in sales or procurement. Working with IT is a must so that data mining of the correct data to help the company achieve their business goals is critical.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
David Hart: Most businesses may hire you on like a consultant. The employees rarely welcome consultants in their business so that early friction is something that most new Business Analysts find distasteful, however if taken in that context, it is also the most challenging part of the field. When you discover processes that will enhance the productivity of the company and help the employees see more profit sharing you can end up being the hero. Most employees spend most of their work career never feeling fulfilled. This profession will definitely give you that rewarding feeling.
Dany Doueiri
ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Dany Doueiri: Don't try to start your own business right after you graduate. Keep your dreams, passions, and aspirations alive but get experience from the field through companies, organizations, and institutions. Gain wisdom from those who have more experience than you and those who make mistakes, including your own shortcomings. Then, you can consider branching out. Finally, learning never stops at the end of your college journey. Be humble and keep on learning for life.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Adam Roth: I recommend that students start by identifying a specific skill in demand within your field, such as data analysis or social media marketing, and focus on developing expertise in that area. Research salary ranges and living costs in particular areas where you’re interested in working to ensure your compensation aligns with the local market. Always negotiate a salary and consider other aspects of the offer, such as funds for continuing education, technology and more. Continuing to network and establish demand for your services is essential; attend industry events, join professional associations, and engage with professionals in your field. Never miss an opportunity to reach out to and check in with your professional contacts. Pursue additional learning opportunities and education, such as certifications or advanced degrees, to provide a competitive advantage and increase your earning potential over time.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: I’m going to change the question based on the evidence gathered by labor economists. Overall, income rises most in a person’s 20s and 30s, stagnates in one’s 40s and actually falls from age 50 on. Moreover, people who are willing to change jobs more frequently have greater salary growth. If this is your goal, then spending your twenties and thirties working hard on your skills and credentials, being willing to move from one position to another and being geographically flexible will increase your lifetime income.
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: Once you have your first job, ask about or determine the 20% of your supervisor’s job that they hate and start doing that for them. They will love you for it and it will quickly get you recognition. You’ll also be well on your way to learning your boss’s job. Continue doing this as you progress in your career (Kudos to Theo Epstein, former GM for the Red Sox, for this recommendation)
No matter the task you’re given, do it to the absolute best of your abilities. In the professional world, you may often be given menial tasks or tasks that you don’t believe are part of your job description. Doing those tasks to the absolute best of your ability leads to increased trust, recognition and responsibility and will put you “above class.” If asked, the coffee you bring should be the best your boss has ever had. You never know who’s watching.
Don’t expect credit and don’t ask for credit when things go right; give the credit to others.
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Melissa Zimdars: To remember that you're going to learn a lot on the job and that failure is part of the learning process. It's okay to ask questions and to not know things, but you must be willing to take feedback, adjust, and grow.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Melissa Zimdars: - The ability to communicate effectively is an evergreen skill that only seems to be getting more important as the number of ways we communicate with each other, our supervisors, and with clients or outside stakeholders keeps expanding. - The ability to adapt to and learn how to navigate new technologies and platforms.
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Melissa Zimdars: Recognize that your first career opportunity won't be your last. If the job you land after college does not have opportunities for growth or advancement, it's imperative that you keep an eye out for them elsewhere as you continue to gain experience in your field.
Fawen Zhang PhD
Professor of AudiologyUniversity of Cincinnati Clermont College
Communication Disorders Sciences And Services
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Fawen Zhang PhD: This is perfect! Thank you so much. We will be sure to feature your response in the article and send a draft over for your review before we promote it.
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Victor Menaldo: Learn, learn and learn some more. Adopt a growth mindset where you never stop learning. Gain economic literacy and financial literacy and historical literacy and statistical literacy. This will allow you to complement AI: ask it good questions, contextualize and evaluate its answers, and ask good follow up questions.
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Victor Menaldo: Interacting with AI and knowing how to best exploit it to get the most out of it: increase productivity and value added in whatever field one is in.
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Victor Menaldo: Develop oral communication skills that allow you to speak in an articulate manner and organize your thoughts to signal your competence, knowledge, work ethic, and willingness to keep learning and improving.
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Economics and Business AnalyticsWidener University
Business/Commerce
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.: The rise of AI has brought many opportunities for the professions like business analysts in terms of AI integration. Businesses will need analysts who can bridge the gap between AI and human needs and focus on more strategic areas like identifying ethical considerations of AI implementation, developing plans to mitigate AI bias, and designing human-AI collaboration workflows. For people who are interested in entering this profession, I would suggest adapting your skillset to include AI understanding, data storytelling, and strategic thinking to be well-positioned in the future.
Tove Rasmussen
LecturerUniversity of Southern Maine
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to an Applications Analyst?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen advises graduates beginning their career in the field to...
What Applications Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen believes that the skills that will become more important and prevalent in the field in the next 3-5 years are...
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen suggests that to maximize salary potential when starting a career in the field, individuals should...
What will help Applications Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. DAWN TOLONEN MBA: For the near future concentrate on three areas, soft skills, critical thinking, and artificial intelligence (AI). Your technical skills helped you land the job, but it’s your soft skills that lead to promotion.