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Job outlook for principal analysts in the United States
Principal analyst job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected principal analyst job growth rate is 9% from 2018-2028.
About 56,000 new jobs for principal analysts are projected over the next decade.
Principal analyst salaries have increased 8% for principal analysts in the last 5 years.
There are over 35,412 principal analysts currently employed in the United States.
There are 158,160 active principal analyst job openings in the US.
The average principal analyst salary is $114,156.
Are principal analyst jobs in demand?
Principal analyst job and salary trends over time
Principal analyst jobs over time
Principal analyst job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 35,412 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 35,630 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 34,370 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 35,482 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 34,529 | 0.01% |
Average principal analyst salary over time
Principal analyst salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $114,156 | $54.88 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $110,395 | $53.07 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $107,895 | $51.87 | +0.5% |
| 2022 | $107,324 | $51.60 | +1.2% |
| 2021 | $106,047 | $50.98 | +1.7% |
Principal analyst jobs by state
Most common states for principal analysts
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 956 | 138% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 3,717 | 44% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 323 | 34% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,998 | 33% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 1,599 | 29% |
| 6 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,202 | 29% |
| 7 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 395 | 29% |
| 8 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 1,563 | 28% |
| 9 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,814 | 26% |
| 10 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 270 | 26% |
| 11 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 3,096 | 24% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 455 | 24% |
| 13 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 2,273 | 22% |
| 14 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,535 | 22% |
| 15 | Alaska | 739,795 | 164 | 22% |
| 16 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 753 | 21% |
| 17 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 2,603 | 20% |
| 18 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 211 | 20% |
| 19 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,946 | 19% |
| 20 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 112 | 19% |
Most common cities for principal analysts
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calabasas | 2 | 8% | $132,929 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 2 | 5% | $104,847 |
| 3 | South San Francisco | 3 | 4% | $145,106 |
| 4 | Redondo Beach | 2 | 3% | $130,979 |
| 5 | Cambridge | 2 | 2% | $109,160 |
| 6 | Melbourne | 2 | 2% | $97,533 |
| 7 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $102,137 |
| 8 | Minneapolis | 3 | 1% | $101,419 |
| 9 | Chandler | 2 | 1% | $111,252 |
| 10 | Irvine | 2 | 1% | $129,179 |
| 11 | Urban Honolulu | 2 | 1% | $111,102 |
| 12 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $107,736 |
| 13 | Atlanta | 2 | 0% | $102,195 |
| 14 | Baltimore | 2 | 0% | $104,768 |
| 15 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $109,209 |
| 16 | Raleigh | 2 | 0% | $109,146 |
| 17 | Arlington | 1 | 0% | $106,589 |
Principal Analyst job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of principal analyst experts
UMass Lowell
Merrimack College
University of Cincinnati Clermont College
University of La Verne
University of Washington
Kent State University
Widener University
University of Southern Maine
Sullivan University
University of Wisconsin - Green Bay
Western Kentucky University
Prairie View A & M University
SUNY College at Geneseo
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 a Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 a Principal Analyst?
Renee Robinson Ph.D.: How can you maximize your salary potential when starting your career in your field?
What Principal 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 Principal 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 a Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 a Principal Analyst?
Marilyn Krogh: Statistical and communication skills are always in demand, and familiarity with a little AI would be a bonus.
What Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal Analysts increase their earning potential?
David Hart: This field has become more valuable ever since the supply chain interruption due to Covid. The analyst is challenged every day with supply chain issues and deployment of the right resources to their prospective areas. Every day can be a new challenge so the work is rarely mundane.
What Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 a Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 general advice would you give to a Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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.
What Principal 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 Principal Analyst?
Tove Rasmussen: Tove Rasmussen advises graduates beginning their career in the field to...
What Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 Principal 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 will help Principal Analysts increase their earning potential?
Praneet Tiwari: Continue to be a learner! Business degrees give students the foundation they need to begin their careers but to continue to do well in their careers, they need to keep learning. Find opportunities to learn more to keep evolving whether it’s the use of free resources when available or if your organization funds additional degrees then use those opportunities too. The business world is constantly evolving so it’s important to stay current. Another important thing to focus on is networking. Often after we get our first jobs, we get complacent when it comes to networking but building a network is crucial. Connect with other professionals through LinkedIn, your university’s alumni associations, and events specific to your industry.
What general advice would you give to a Principal Analyst?
Timothy Rich PhD: Social science research skills, including research design and quantitative analysis, have broad applications (e.g. local government, think tanks, campaigns, non-profits, business) and students need to be comfortable with data. Writing skills aren't being replaced by ChatGPT, and students need to learn how to write for different audiences and not just for the typical final paper. That means being able to explain complex events or data and synthesize information to someone who has little knowledge about the topic. Students tend to distrust group projects, but learning to work in groups is also a transferable skill and an important one even if working remotely.
What Principal 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.
What will help Principal Analysts increase their earning potential?
Timothy Rich PhD: In social science fields, many of the highest paid jobs straight out are government related or data analysis related. Without developing research, writing, and in some cases foreign language skills, this will be a limitation. Depending on the desired job, a graduate degree may be required and students should be maximizing their exposure to graduate-style experiences as undergrads to not only get into prestigious law schools, master's programs, etc., but to take advantage of the internship and research opportunities that first year entrants are rarely equipped to handle.
What will help Principal Analysts increase their earning potential?
Terésa Dowell-Vest Ph.D., M.F.A.: First, I would celebrate them getting to that point. Everything after is going to be challenging and, in some cases…in most cases, difficult to navigate, so boosting their confidence and morale are key to ensuring they see themselves as worthy of success. Second, network! For young people beginning their careers, it is vital to meet other people with similar passions and pursuits. Find your tribe and climb together. Finally, craft a plan. A dream is not a plan. You need to create a BUSINESS PLAN for your life. Establish what your goals are, pare them down to one or two SMART goals, determine who will likely be supporters of your goal, create a brand for yourself (social media, business cards, a personal motto) and determine the resources you’ll need to achieve your goal.
Jasmine Tang
SUNY College at Geneseo
Bilingual, Multilingual, And Multicultural Education
What general advice would you give to a Principal Analyst?
Jasmine Tang: You need to set a goal first then go for it. Also, your first job is not your permanent job. Try to have a break from the school or work before your new job, new school term after the graduation. Be healthy & happy!
What Principal Analyst skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jasmine Tang: Be confident of their major/minor or the subject they like and do best of the field they like for themselves not for money or please their parents or fulfill the dream of others.
What will help Principal 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.