Statisticians
Median wage · national
$105,650
Range: $82K – $141K
Employed
29K
Openings/yr
2K
Typically: master's degree
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analyst earn $78,760 nationally at the median. The middle 50% of workers fall between $58,350 and $108,310. Where you land depends on specialization, employer, and experience.
About Market Research Analyst
Research conditions in local, regional, national, or online markets. Gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or plan a marketing or advertising campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution. May employ search marketing tactics, analyze web metrics, and develop recommendations to increase search engine ranking and visibility to target markets.
- Median Wage
- $78,760
- Employed Nationally
- 900K
- Openings / Year
- 87,200
- Entry Education
- Bachelor's degree
- Job Zone
- Zone 4: Considerable Preparation
Also known as:
Advertising Analyst
Business Development Analyst
Business Development Associate
Business Development Representative
Business Development Specialist
How Much Do Market Research Analysts Make?
Market Research Analyst earn $78,760 nationally, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $58,350 and $108,310. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
$78,760
National Median (Annual)
Above the national median for college graduates.
$58K–$108K
Middle 50% Range
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
Earnings Range
$58,350
Entry-level
$78,760
Median
$108,310
Experienced
The mean wage for this occupation is $89,490, above the median. A concentration of very high earners pulls the average up. The median is the better gauge of typical pay.
What Do Market Research Analysts Do?
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Market Research Analyst roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
What You'll Do
- Prepare reports of findings, illustrating data graphically and translating complex findings into written text.
- Collect and analyze data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits to identify potential markets and factors affecting product demand.
- Conduct research on consumer opinions and marketing strategies, collaborating with marketing professionals, statisticians, pollsters, and other professionals.
- Measure and assess customer and employee satisfaction.
- Devise and evaluate methods and procedures for collecting data, such as surveys, opinion polls, or questionnaires, or arrange to obtain existing data.
Core Skills Employers Look For
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Critical Thinking
Complex Problem Solving
Active Listening
Who Thrives Here
E
Enterprising
Leadership, influence, and business acumen are rewarded here, where managing teams, driving decisions, or persuading others shapes career outcomes.
E
Enterprising
Leadership, influence, and business acumen are rewarded here, where managing teams, driving decisions, or persuading others shapes career outcomes.
C
Conventional
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
Where Do Market Research Analysts Work?
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Work Setting
Mixed
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Physical Demands
Light
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
Stress Level
Moderate
Moderate pressure. Regular deadlines exist but are generally manageable with experience.
What Is the Job Outlook for Market Research Analysts?
The BLS projects +6.7% employment change for Market Research Analyst through 2034, roughly in line with the national average of +5%. About 87,200 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
↗ +6.7%
10-Year Growth (2024–2034)
About as fast as average.
87,200
Annual Openings
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
900K
Currently Employed
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
Where the Jobs Are
The five states below employ the most Market Research Analyst professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $78,760 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 108,460 | $92,770 | +17.8% |
| 2 | New York | 75,100 | $91,840 | +16.6% |
| 3 | Texas | 61,200 | $64,900 | -17.6% |
| 4 | Florida | 54,090 | $77,490 | -1.6% |
| 5 | Massachusetts | 37,320 | $93,430 | +18.6% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
How to Get Here
Most Market Research Analyst positions require a bachelor's degree to qualify. The 6 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
Typical Entry Education
Bachelor's degree
Job Zone
Zone 4: Considerable Preparation
These positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles.
Degree Programs That Lead Here
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Marketing | 52,820 | $69,303 | 1,164 |
| 2 | Economics | 46,225 | $82,686 | 928 |
| 3 | Data Analytics | 7,294 | — | 292 |
| 4 | Specialized Sales | 4,322 | $59,631 | 190 |
| 5 | Apparel & Textiles | 2,961 | $57,640 | 135 |
| 6 | Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business | 560 | $64,926 | 26 |
Top Colleges for Aspiring Market Research Analysts
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 4 | Princeton University Princeton, NJ | 94 | $6,128 | $110,066 |
| 5 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College New York, NY | 93 | $3,033 | $75,971 |
| 6 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
Plan Your Path
Once you've sized up Market Research Analyst, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if the degree that leads to Market Research Analyst pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Market Research Analyst Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and growing demand make Market Research Analyst a compelling path. The 4 strengths and 2 trade-offs below are drawn from BLS wage data and employment projections.
PROS
- Above-average pay At $78,760 median annually, this career pays meaningfully more than most college-graduate roles. Financial return on education is typically strong.
- Steady job outlook The BLS projects +6.7% growth through 2034, keeping pace with the national average. Demand is stable and annual openings remain consistent.
- High earning ceiling Top earners (75th percentile) reach $108,310 annually. Strong performers, specialists, and those in high-cost markets have significant upside beyond the median.
- Large, established field 900K people work in this occupation nationally, creating a broad job market with openings spread across every region and industry.
CONS
- Multi-year ramp before career-level pay This is a Job Zone 4 occupation, these positions typically require a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience before advancing into senior roles. Most workers in this field spend their first several years at entry-level pay well below the $78,760 median while building the experience employers require.
- Entry-level pay well below the national median The 25th percentile wage of $58,350 is considerably below the $78,760 median. Early-career workers typically spend 5 or more years building toward typical pay. Factor this into any program ROI calculation.
Market Research Analyst Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Market Research Analyst professionals earn?
The national median annual wage for Market Research Analyst is $78,760, above the national median for full-time workers. The middle 50% of earners fall between $58,350 and $108,310. Pay varies by employer size, industry sector, specialization, and geography. National figures are a starting point, not a guarantee.
Is Market Research Analyst a good career?
For people genuinely interested in the work, yes. At $78,760 median, with +6.7% projected growth through 2034, there is a real financial case and a stable market for new entrants. Compare program net price against local salary outcomes (not just the national median) before committing.
How long does it take to become a Market Research Analyst?
Expect 4 years of undergraduate education followed by 2 or more years of field experience before most employers consider you qualified for career-level positions. A bachelor's degree is the typical minimum credential. Degree programs like Marketing are typical entry paths. Early-career pay during this ramp-up period will be meaningfully below the $78,760 national median. Factor that gap into any program ROI calculation.
What is the job outlook for Market Research Analyst?
The BLS projects +6.7% employment change for Market Research Analyst through 2034, about as fast as average compared to all occupations. About 87,200 job openings per year are projected, including new positions and replacements for workers who retire or change careers. 900K people currently work in this occupation nationwide (BLS May 2024).
What skills do Market Research Analyst professionals need?
O*NET data identifies the core skills employers consistently prioritize for Market Research Analyst roles: Reading Comprehension, Writing, Critical Thinking, Complex Problem Solving, and Active Listening. These develop through formal education and hands-on work. Programs with internship or co-op requirements give you a meaningful head start on the ones that take time to build.
Related Findings
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10 Six-Figure Careers That Do Not Need a Bachelor's Degree
Air traffic controllers earn more than the typical bachelor's-degree career, with an associate degree. The occupations that pay six figures without four years of college.
- No bachelor degree
- High paying careers
- Associate degree
- Trades
- Median wage
-
Does a Master's Degree Pay Off? Barely, on Average
Group every career by the degree it requires and master's-level jobs pay a median of about $91,000, statistically tied with bachelor's-level work. The premium hides in a few fields.
- Master's degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Median wage
- Graduate school
- Career outcomes
-
Growing and Paying $80K Plus: The Careers That Do Both
Only 95 of 385 federal careers both pay a median above $80,000 and grow faster than the typical job. Here is the rare set that clears both bars.
- Career growth
- Median wage
- High-paying careers
- Job outlook
- Career change
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