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Job outlook for functional analysts in the United States
Functional analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected functional analyst job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for functional analysts are projected over the next decade.
Functional analyst salaries have increased 8% for functional analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 19,820 functional analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 52,085 active functional analyst job openings in the US.
The average functional analyst salary is $96,841.
Are functional analyst jobs in demand?
Functional analyst job and salary trends over time
Functional analyst jobs over time
Functional analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19,820 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 18,931 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 20,412 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 25,031 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 24,776 | 0.01% |
Average functional analyst salary over time
Functional analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $96,841 | $46.56 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $93,650 | $45.02 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $91,530 | $44.00 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $91,045 | $43.77 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $89,962 | $43.25 | +1.7% |
Functional analyst jobs by state
Most common states for functional analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 388 | 56% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,333 | 16% |
| 3 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 802 | 12% |
| 4 | Delaware | 961,939 | 114 | 12% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 616 | 11% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 71 | 11% |
| 7 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 619 | 10% |
| 8 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 322 | 10% |
| 9 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 105 | 10% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 74 | 10% |
| 11 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 604 | 9% |
| 12 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 373 | 9% |
| 13 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 164 | 9% |
| 14 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 115 | 9% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,086 | 8% |
| 16 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 742 | 8% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 425 | 8% |
| 18 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 291 | 8% |
| 19 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 736 | 7% |
| 20 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 533 | 7% |
Most common cities for functional analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Danvers | 16 | 60% | $83,592 |
| 2 | Billerica | 16 | 40% | $83,953 |
| 3 | Burlington | 9 | 37% | $84,094 |
| 4 | Lexington | 8 | 25% | $84,317 |
| 5 | Andover | 8 | 24% | $83,531 |
| 6 | Arlington | 8 | 19% | $84,351 |
| 7 | Beverly | 8 | 19% | $83,582 |
| 8 | Newton | 16 | 18% | $84,669 |
| 9 | Everett | 8 | 17% | $84,297 |
| 10 | Lawrence | 8 | 10% | $83,322 |
| 11 | Boston | 46 | 7% | $84,521 |
| 12 | Cambridge | 8 | 7% | $84,450 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 10 | 2% | $83,140 |
| 14 | Indianapolis | 9 | 1% | $81,446 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 9 | 1% | $110,359 |
Functional Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of functional analyst experts
UMass Lowell
Merrimack College
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of La Verne
University of Washington
Widener University
University of Southern Maine
Xavier University
Sullivan University
Western Kentucky University
SUNY College at Geneseo
University of Missouri - Columbia
John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
Brandeis University
University of California, Santa Cruz
Siena College
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Michael Ciuchta Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Program Coordinator, Masters of Science in EntrepreneurshipUMass Lowell
Department of Marketing, Entrepreneurship & Innovation
What Functional 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 Functional 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 will help Functional Analysts increase their earning potential?
Dr. Swagata Banerjee PhD: Network extensively: Build relationships with professionals in your field, attend industry events, and join relevant professional organizations. Continuously learn and adapt: Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and best practices through courses, workshops, and online resources. Seek mentorship: Find experienced professionals who can offer guidance and advice as you navigate your career path. Be proactive and resourceful: Take initiative, seek out opportunities for growth, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.
What Functional 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 will help Functional 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 Functional 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 Functional 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 Functional 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 Functional 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 Functional 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 a Functional Analyst?
William Luse PhD.: I advise graduates to remain open to new opportunities, even those that might not initially seem aligned with their career goals. Often, the most valuable chances for skill development and growth emerge from the most unexpected places. Approach the unfamiliar with open arms, as it could lead you down a path to success you hadn't considered.
What general advice would you give to a Functional 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 Functional 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 Functional 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 Functional 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 a Functional Analyst?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen advises graduates beginning their career in the field to...
What Functional 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 Functional 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.
What will help Functional Analysts increase their earning potential?
Thomas Smith PhD: Soft skills (people skills) and critical thinking are both skills that will serve you well throughout your career, and unfortunately, they are areas that receive little focus in most education today. Remember the 'Golden Rule' and learn from your mistakes.
What Functional 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.
Jasmine Tang
SUNY College at Geneseo
Bilingual, Multilingual, And Multicultural Education
What will help Functional Analysts increase their earning potential?
Jasmine Tang: I always advise the students to apply any job that accept their degree or go for the one they really like.
What general advice would you give to a Functional Analyst?
Matthew Sveum Ph.D.: I don’t think that there is a one-size-fits-all answer to this question. As I said above, building soft skills through internships, and also other experiences like study abroad, clubs, etc, is important to standing out in the workplace. Beyond that, it is important to pick a major that aligns with the career that the student wants, and to then network through internships, talking with guest speakers, etc. But it is also important to remember that the first job is just the starting point, and that promotions or job changes over time will improve their salary and title; they don’t need to jump in to the exact salary and title they eventually want.
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.
ProfessorJohn Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York
Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, And Group Studies
What general advice would you give to a Functional Analyst?
Professor Shonna Trinch Ph.D.: Being able to negotiate a salary is also a skill that students need to learn and one that is rarely taught in college. Students need to be able to ask for more than they are offered, but also take jobs at entry levels, prove themselves and then ask for an increase in pay six months into the job after they have shown that they are doing the work and achieving their goals.
What general advice would you give to a Functional Analyst?
Sarah Lupis: -Think about transferrable and 'soft skills' and in this regard, Brandeis students have a lot to bring to the table!
What will help Functional Analysts increase their earning potential?
Sarah Lupis: -cast a wide net! Students that I work with generally have a degree in psychology and may limit their job search to psychology jobs. What they may not realize is that their degree allows them to work in many different domains doing many different tasks. Many do not get jobs specific to their field(s) that they very much enjoy and excel at. Focus more on what you're good at, and what you'd like to do.
What general advice would you give to a Functional Analyst?
Stephanie Lain Ph.D.: Look for a unionized job, preferably in a large institution where there is room for job growth. For students trained in linguistics, there are also often opportunities to work in tech, so this might be something to explore.
What Functional Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Stephanie Lain Ph.D.: I would advise graduates to be open to considering jobs in lots of different fields. The skills acquired through their major- such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and writing- are ones that transfer well to a variety of situations.
What Functional Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
What will help Functional Analysts increase their earning potential?
Sunita Goel PhD: Great. Will send you the responses soon. Please let me know the latest deadline by which you need them.
What general advice would you give to a Functional Analyst?
Shauna Downs PhD MS: 3. How can you maximize your salary potential when starting your career in your field?
What will help Functional Analysts increase their earning potential?
Shauna Downs PhD MS: 1. What general advice would you give to a graduate beginning their career in the field?