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Job outlook for business planning analysts in the United States
Business planning analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected business planning analyst job growth rate is 11% from 2018-2028.
About 108,400 new jobs for business planning analysts are projected over the next decade.
Business planning analyst salaries have increased 8% for business planning analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 6,343 business planning analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 146,438 active business planning analyst job openings in the US.
The average business planning analyst salary is $75,822.
Are business planning analyst jobs in demand?
Business planning analyst job and salary trends over time
Business planning analyst jobs over time
Business planning analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 6,343 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 6,059 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,858 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,650 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,441 | 0.00% |
Average business planning analyst salary over time
Business planning analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $75,822 | $36.45 | +2.8% |
| 2025 | $73,746 | $35.45 | +2.0% |
| 2024 | $72,319 | $34.77 | +1.4% |
| 2023 | $71,315 | $34.29 | +1.4% |
| 2022 | $70,347 | $33.82 | +0.0% |
Business planning analyst jobs by state
Most common states for business planning analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 980 | 141% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 220 | 35% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 321 | 33% |
| 4 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,625 | 31% |
| 5 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,796 | 30% |
| 6 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 386 | 29% |
| 7 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 860 | 28% |
| 8 | Alaska | 739,795 | 205 | 28% |
| 9 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 159 | 27% |
| 10 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,400 | 25% |
| 11 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,653 | 24% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 446 | 23% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 196 | 23% |
| 14 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 286 | 21% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 218 | 21% |
| 16 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,130 | 20% |
| 17 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 633 | 20% |
| 18 | Arkansas | 3,004,279 | 587 | 20% |
| 19 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,417 | 19% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 199 | 19% |
Most common cities for business planning analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $71,641 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $77,810 |
| 3 | Culver City | 1 | 3% | $77,529 |
| 4 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $71,976 |
| 5 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $66,666 |
| 6 | Stamford | 3 | 2% | $92,395 |
| 7 | Troy | 2 | 2% | $72,760 |
| 8 | Wichita | 3 | 1% | $64,949 |
| 9 | Fishers | 1 | 1% | $65,451 |
| 10 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $92,445 |
| 11 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $72,180 |
| 12 | New York | 2 | 0% | $96,969 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 2 | 0% | $77,960 |
| 14 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $66,389 |
| 15 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $85,690 |
| 16 | Colorado Springs | 1 | 0% | $72,372 |
| 17 | Des Moines | 1 | 0% | $70,927 |
| 18 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $70,493 |
Business Planning Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of business planning analyst experts
UMass Lowell
Merrimack College
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of North Dakota
Saint John Fisher College
Western Kentucky University
University of La Verne
Southern Connecticut State University
University of Washington
Kent State University
Widener University
University of Southern Maine
Florida Gulf Coast University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Western Kentucky University
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What Business Planning 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 Business Planning 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 general advice would you give to a Business Planning Analyst?
Marilyn Krogh: Statistical and communication skills are always in demand, and familiarity with a little AI would be a bonus.
Dany Doueiri
ProfessorWhat will help Business Planning Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dany Doueiri: Ability to adapt to new realities, creativity, ethics, innovation, and resilience to face new realities.
What Business Planning 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 general advice would you give to a Business Planning Analyst?
Bradley Andrew Ph.D.: So-called soft skills are still in demand by employers, based on recent surveys, because a smaller percentage of graduates possess them. These include:
Showing up and on time;
Having a strong work ethic;
Critical thinking skills
Social skills, including the ability to get along well with people, motivate and encourage them, and leadership skills. Also be able to schmooze with clients over dinner or drinks, or just in your office. A personal touch and connection is something software can’t provide.
Creativity—Apple products, for example, appeal to many people because of their combination of form and function.
The ability to work AI in order to increase one’s productivity will become more important over the next 5 years.
What will help Business Planning 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 a Business Planning 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 will help Business Planning 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 will help Business Planning 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.
Yvette Koepke
Associate Dean for Academic SuccessUniversity of North Dakota
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What Business Planning Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Yvette Koepke: Salary: Preparation is key. Prepare by taking advantage of opportunities and experiences through projects, jobs, internships, organizations, or volunteering. Prepare by doing homework about the field and the position, and research showing the value of diversity. And prepare by practicing how best to make the case for what you can contribute.
What will help Business Planning Analysts increase their earning potential?
Yi Liu Ph.D., CFP®: Having grit is more important than you may realize because facing challenges and barriers is part of the process. There will be bumps and hurdles. But what important is that you do not give up. It's okay not to have all of the answers on the first day. Be curious, ask questions, and delve deeply into learning about your profession. It can take up to 6,000 hours to completely master a field. So, allow yourself the opportunity to learn and grow. Enjoy the journey, not the destination. That's where the true learning occurs.
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorWestern Kentucky University
Psychology
What Business Planning Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Xiaowen Chen Ph.D.: Present your knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience by showing your research and applied projects so that employers will know what you have accomplished and the potential value you can bring to their organization.
What Business Planning Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
William Luse PhD.: While mastering artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly important, I believe the timeless skills of effective communication will remain critical. Whether it's crafting clear emails, delivering impactful presentations, or engaging in meaningful conversations, these skills are indispensable across all career paths. Another skill that will become crucial is learning to interact with AI through conversational prompts. This ability to communicate effectively with AI not only enhances your productivity but also opens up new avenues for leveraging technology in innovative ways.
What will help Business Planning Analysts increase their earning potential?
Zheni Wang Ph.D.: For people who just graduated with a degree in business and are starting their careers in the field, my best advice includes being fearless, proactive, and future-oriented.
1. Act bravely when you are young and less experienced. This means finding ways to be heard about your ideas, values, and ethical principles.
2. Work proactively when not assigned important roles. This means you must actively observe, critically think, and constantly learn at the workplace. If you absorb and immerse yourself in the daily work, you will shine whenever a light is on you.
3. Plan the future as if the past shaped who you are now. This means working as if you’ve been teleported from the future, where you want to be will guide you clearly in what and how to do today.
What will help Business Planning 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.
What Business Planning Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Vaneet Kaur: There are two sets of skills I will highly encourage graduates to proactively start building. Firstly, business graduates need to develop higher-order skills and capabilities like knowledge-based dynamic capabilities. These will help them to (a) constantly collect knowledge about emerging opportunities (and threats) in the industry, (b) mobilize themselves and their resources to bring identified opportunities into fruition, and (c) constantly renew their skills to effectively respond to the changes in the environment. Developing such knowledge-based dynamic capabilities will automatically prepare them for the different waves of skill set requirements that will keep arising in the job market. Secondly, it is no secret that we are living in the times of artificial intelligence and automation. So, in this day and age, it is extremely important that graduates learn to ride the wave of automation rather than being discouraged by it. Business graduates are set to contribute to the world with their business acumen and expertise, what they can do to complement it is to develop low-code, no-code skills. Such skills will help graduates to automate routine processes so that their time and energies can be strategically channelized towards those activities and processes that can add significant value to their organizations.
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Economics and Business AnalyticsWidener University
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to a Business Planning Analyst?
Tongyang Yang Ph.D.: There are many reasons that people like about being a business analyst, including reasons listed as follows: 1. Analytical Skills and Data Exploration: BAs often analyze data to understand trends and identify areas for improvement. Seeing a successful implementation and its positive impact can be very rewarding. 2. Problem-solving. BAs get to identify inefficiencies and propose solutions that can improve how a business operates. 3. Continuous learning. Business analysts may work on a range of projects and the field of business analysis may be constantly evolving, which required BAs to actively cultivate skills in new businesses. For example, the coming of the AI era requires BAs to master AI fundamentals and data fluency. 4. While some thrive on the problem-solving and communication aspects of a BA role, others may find them less appealing. Carefully consider your personality and preferences to see if this aligns with your career goals.
Tove Rasmussen
LecturerUniversity of Southern Maine
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What general advice would you give to a Business Planning Analyst?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen advises graduates beginning their career in the field to...
What Business Planning 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...
Thomas Mathews CFA
InstructorFlorida Gulf Coast University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What general advice would you give to a Business Planning Analyst?
Thomas Mathews CFA: GET YOUR FOOT IN THE DOOR AT A SUITABLE POSITION, LEARN AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, FIND A MENTOR/COACH WHO IS WELL-RESPECTED IN THE ORGANIZATION, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO WORK HARD, DO NOT BE AFRAID TO RAISE YOUR HAND TO LEAD OR SUPPORT CRITICAL INITIATIVES.
What Business Planning Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Praneet Tiwari: Maximizing one’s salary potential is a long-term strategy, but the best way is to start out strong by searching for the best for yourself. For instance, companies in high-growth industries often offer more competitive salaries and better opportunities for promotion. If you are okay with a lower base salary but interested in more profit-sharing, then consider startups as they have equity ownership or profit-sharing models which can lead to a higher compensation package in the long run. In any situation, however, be prepared to negotiate. Before entering any salary negotiation, research the typical salary range for your position, location, and experience level. Make sure to practice your negotiation skills and have a clear idea of your desired salary range and the reasons why you deserve it. Focus on the value you bring to the company and highlight your skills. Most universities have a career center or student success center that can help you do mock interviews and negotiations. Once you land the job, make sure to deliver results, volunteer for challenging projects, and exceed expectations. This allows you to seek out raises and promotions quickly. And finally, be prepared to job-hop if needed. Strategic job-hopping may be needed if you find that the job is not a good fit, or the growth trajectory is not what you want.
What Business Planning Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Timothy Rich PhD: Think about the types of jobs that interest you and the skills necessary for those jobs early. So many students start thinking about post-graduation life spring their senior year, when it should be an incremental process much earlier. Another pieces of advice would be to talk to faculty and alum about your interests, find internship or research opportunities when possible, and try to figure out early your strengths and weaknesses. It's easy for students, especially high performing ones, to not fully consider what their weaknesses are. I encourage students to jot down what they see as their skills too and to share them with others. It helps them to identify what's a common skill versus something that might make them stick out.