Business Analyst Salary for MBA Holders in the USA 2025 — Certified vs Non-Certified Professionals

If you are pursuing or have completed an MBA and you are considering a career as a business analyst in the USA, you might be asking: How much do business analysts with an MBA earn in 2025?

You may also be wondering about the difference in earnings between certified and non-certified business analysts, and whether obtaining certifications such as CBAP, CCBA, or PMI-PBA increases your salary prospects.

These are valid questions because business analysis is one of the most in-demand career paths for MBA holders, and salaries vary widely based on certification, experience, industry, and location.

This detailed article explains everything you need to know about the business analyst salary for MBA holders in the USA 2025 — certified vs non-certified professionals.

We will break down average salaries by certification status, experience level, industry, and geography. We will also explain the role of certifications, how much they improve earning potential, and why MBA graduates are highly valued in business analysis roles.

We’ve also included a summary table of salaries for quick reference and to help you compare certified vs non-certified business analyst earnings at a glance.

Whether you are starting out as a business analyst after your MBA, already working in the field and considering certification, or planning a career change, this article gives you all the details you need to make informed decisions.

Why Business Analysis Is a Top Career Choice for MBA Graduates

Why companies hire MBAs as business analysts

• MBAs bring strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• They can understand both business needs and technical solutions.

• MBAs are trained to bridge the gap between business stakeholders and technical teams.

• Employers value their strategic thinking, communication, and leadership skills.

With industries increasingly relying on data-driven decisions and digital transformation, the need for skilled business analysts continues to grow in 2025.

Summary Table: Business Analyst Salary for MBA Holders in the USA 2025 — Certified vs Non-Certified

Business Analyst Roles for MBA Graduates

Common responsibilities

• Gathering and analyzing business requirements

• Developing strategies to improve processes

• Facilitating communication between stakeholders and technical teams

• Supporting decision-making through data analysis

Typical industries

• Finance

• Healthcare

• Technology

• Government

• Consulting

• Manufacturing

These industries value MBAs because they can analyze market trends, optimize operations, and deliver actionable insights.

Certified vs Non-Certified Business Analysts — What’s the Difference?

Who is a certified business analyst?

A certified business analyst holds a professional credential from a recognized organization. Common certifications include:

• CBAP (Certified Business Analysis Professional)

• CCBA (Certification of Competency in Business Analysis)

• PMI-PBA (Professional in Business Analysis)

• ECBA (Entry Certificate in Business Analysis)

Advantages of certification

• Higher salary potential

• More job opportunities

• Greater credibility and recognition

• Stronger technical and business skills

Why some business analysts choose not to certify

• They rely on MBA credentials and experience.

• Certification costs time and money.

• Not all employers require certification.

Average Salaries for MBA Business Analysts in USA 2025

Entry-Level Business Analyst (0–2 years experience)

• Certified: $80,000 – $90,000/year ($6,700 – $7,500/month)

• Non-Certified: $65,000 – $75,000/year ($5,400 – $6,200/month)

Mid-Level Business Analyst (3–5 years experience)

• Certified: $95,000 – $110,000/year ($7,900 – $9,100/month)

• Non-Certified: $80,000 – $95,000/year ($6,700 – $7,900/month)

Senior-Level Business Analyst (6–10 years experience)

• Certified: $120,000 – $140,000/year ($10,000 – $11,700/month)

• Non-Certified: $100,000 – $120,000/year ($8,300 – $10,000/month)

Executive-Level Business Analyst (10+ years experience)

• Certified: $150,000+/year ($12,500+/month)

• Non-Certified: $130,000+/year ($10,800+/month)

Clearly, certified professionals earn about 10%–20% more at each level.

Business Analyst Salary by Industry — MBA Holders USA 2025

Industries with the highest pay tend to value certifications more, especially in technology and finance.

How Location Affects Salary

Salaries for MBA business analysts also vary based on where you work.

Top-paying cities for business analysts in USA 2025:

• San Francisco, CA

• New York, NY

• Seattle, WA

• Boston, MA

• Washington, DC

In high-cost-of-living areas, salaries can be 20%–30% higher.

How Certifications Increase Earning Potential

Here’s why certification helps:

• Demonstrates commitment and expertise.

• Equips you with advanced analytical tools and frameworks.

• Makes you stand out in competitive job markets.

• Often required for senior roles in regulated industries.

For MBA holders, adding a certification signals both academic and professional excellence.

Career Path of an MBA Business Analyst

Here’s a typical progression:

1. Entry-Level Business Analyst

2. Senior Business Analyst

3. Lead Business Analyst or Product Owner

4. Business Analysis Manager

5. Director of Business Analysis

6. Vice President or Chief Business Analyst

Each level brings more responsibility — and a higher salary.

Key Skills That Impact Salary

High-demand skills for business analysts in 2025:

• Data analytics (SQL, Tableau, Power BI)

• Requirements gathering and documentation

• Process improvement (Lean, Six Sigma)

• Agile methodologies

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management

MBA holders often already excel in strategic thinking and communication — adding technical skills and certifications can further boost your salary.

Benefits Beyond Base Salary

In addition to base salary, business analysts often receive:

• Annual performance bonuses (10%–25% of base pay)

• Signing bonuses for new hires

• Stock options or profit-sharing

• Health insurance and retirement benefits

• Paid training and development

These benefits can add thousands of dollars to your total compensation.

How to Maximize Your Salary as an MBA Business Analyst in USA

If you want to earn more as an MBA graduate in business analysis, here are some steps to take:

• Choose industries and companies that pay well — like tech, finance, or consulting.

• Consider working in high-paying cities.

• Obtain certifications to increase credibility and marketability.

• Develop both technical and soft skills.

• Negotiate your offers confidently, using salary data to support your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do MBA holders need certification to succeed as business analysts?

A: Not always, but certifications can increase your salary and job opportunities significantly.

Q: Which certification is best for MBA business analysts?

A: CBAP is the most recognized for experienced professionals. For beginners, ECBA or CCBA are good starting points.

Q: Do certified business analysts earn much more than non-certified?

A: Yes — typically 10%–20% more, especially at senior levels.

Q: Which industries pay the highest salaries for business analysts?

A: Technology, finance, and consulting offer the highest salaries in 2025.

Q: Is business analysis a good career for MBA graduates in 2025?

A: Yes — it offers strong salaries, job security, and career growth opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Business Analyst Salary for MBA Holders in the USA 2025 — Certified vs Non-Certified

Business analysis remains one of the most promising and lucrative career paths for MBA holders in the USA in 2025.

As we’ve shown in this article, the business analyst salary for MBA holders in the USA 2025 — certified vs non-certified clearly favors those who pursue certifications.

However, even without certification, MBA graduates can still command competitive salaries thanks to their strategic thinking, business knowledge, and leadership skills.

If you’re aiming for the highest earnings, consider obtaining a certification, gaining technical skills, and targeting high-paying industries and locations.

Whether you choose to get certified or not, business analysis offers a fulfilling and rewarding career path for MBA graduates.