The average business analyst salary in the UK is £45,594 per year, according to Indeed. That figure only tells part of the story. This guide breaks down salary ranges, career stages and industry trends, giving hiring managers the insight needed to confidently benchmark offers and attract the right talent.
What is the Average Business Analyst Salary in the UK?
The average business analyst salary in the UK is currently around £45,594 per year. However, this figure can vary significantly based on factors like experience, job role, industry, and company size.
Salaries in this profession span from £25,000 at entry-level to around £80,000 or higher for a senior business analyst or lead business analyst. The median salary generally lands at about £45,500 per year, giving a clear picture of mid-range pay for typical roles.
For a junior business analyst, the lower end of the salary spectrum generally starts at about £25,000 per year. This increases steadily with experience and career progression opportunities.
- Entry-Level/Junior – £25,000–£35,000
- Mid-Level/Experience – £45,000–£55,000
- Senior/Lead Business Analyst – £60,000–£80,000+
Company size significantly impacts salary figures for business analyst jobs across different locations in the UK.
- Startup/Small Company – £35,000–£45,000
- Medium to Large Enterprise – £45,000 – £95,000
Generally, larger enterprises offer more competitive packages than small businesses due to greater financial resources and larger-scale job responsibilities involving complex systems and extensive reporting.
Salaries also vary significantly depending on the sector in which the business analyst operates, reflecting the varied demand and required skills.
- Financial Services – Around £50,000
- Technology/IT – Around £44,000
- Public Sector – Around £39,000
Analysts working in finance and technology, as opposed to the public sector, typically enjoy higher pay due to specialised requirements, technical proficiency and the critical nature of their analytical roles.
Regional Differences in Business Analyst Salaries
Business analyst salaries in the UK differ notably across regions due to variations in industry concentration, local economies and cost of living. London consistently ranks highest, reflecting its prominent role as a hub for finance, technology and international business.
Region | Average Salary (£) |
London | £53,138 |
Portsmouth | £46,940 |
West Bromwich | £44,912 |
Leeds | £44,143 |
Bristol | £42,577 |
Birmingham | £42,282 |
Manchester | £40,934 |
Newcastle upon Tyne | £40,926 |
Sheffield | £40,398 |
Remote (UK-wide) | £40,841 |
- London’s leading salary is due to the city’s status as an economic centre, with more opportunities for senior business analysts and lead business analysts that require even higher pay.
- Remote roles generally offer salaries closer to the national average, around £40,836 annually. These roles provide greater flexibility, allowing even technical business analysts access to opportunities across different locations.
What is the Highest Salary for a Business Analyst in the UK?
The maximum business analyst salary range can exceed £120,000 per year, typically seen in senior roles within large enterprises. These high-paying positions are often found in industries like finance, consulting and technology, where significant expertise and complex responsibilities justify premium compensation.
Role | Average Salary (£) | Maximum Salary (£) |
Senior Business Analyst | £62,500 | £86,500 |
Lead Business Analyst | £65,000 | £120,000+ |
Business analyst roles at the highest salary levels usually require extensive professional experience and specialised skills. Over 10 years in business analysis is common, as well as successfully managing high-impact projects.
Expert-level capabilities in data analytics, systems integration and strategic reporting are required, and people in these roles often possess proven leadership abilities. Industry expertise, along with advanced qualifications and specialised skills, provides senior business analysts with an in-depth understanding of their sector, allowing them to utilise tailored problem-solving approaches.
Top-level business analyst jobs will usually offer competitive benefits beyond salary. Performance bonuses, flexible working options and professional development are often offered and funded by companies to their senior staff.
This is, of course, in addition to regular perks such as healthcare and pension schemes. These perks help attract and retain experienced business analysts, making such roles highly sought after in terms of both compensation and long-term career prospects.
What Factors Influence Business Analyst Salaries?
Business analyst salaries in the UK don’t only depend on experience. Several other key factors influence pay across roles, regions and career progression opportunities. Understanding these can significantly enhance salary negotiations and overall career planning.
- Company Size: Established enterprises generally offer higher salaries due to greater complexity in their systems and higher expectations around reporting and analysis. Smaller companies might pay less initially, but sometimes compensate through equity or unique perks like enhanced parental leave.
- Industry Specialisation: Sectors like fintech or consulting value specialised expertise. A technical business analyst in finance often earns more than peers in retail or education due to high demand for industry-specific insights.
- Skills and Technical Expertise: Strong technical abilities in data analysis tools and experience with ERP or CRM systems command premium salaries. Employers highly value these technical skills for complex integrations and business analysis tasks.
- Experience Level: A junior business analyst will understandably earn less than a senior business analyst or lead business analyst. The jump from an entry-level business analyst to a mid or senior role usually comes with greater job responsibilities and improved compensation.
- Certifications and Memberships: Membership in bodies like the BCS or IIBA, along with certifications, demonstrates commitment to professional standards. These qualifications can significantly boost salaries and open up additional job opportunities.
- Location and Work Environment: Location impacts salaries notably, with London rates consistently surpassing other regions. Remote roles, however, increasingly balance compensation nationally, offering skilled analysts access to higher pay irrespective of geographical constraints.
How to Determine a Competitive Business Analyst Salary
To land top talent, whether a junior business analyst or a lead business analyst, you need to consider budget, market trends and role expectations with a detail-oriented eye.
- Use Current Salary Data: Use trusted sources like Glassdoor, Robert Half and Indeed to align salaries with current UK averages. Compare by region, role and sector to ensure you’re staying relevant in a shifting market.
- Don’t Forget Total Compensation: Top candidates look at the whole package. Equity, bonuses, training budgets and remote flexibility can often be enough when base salary isn’t top of the range.
- Consider the Role and Responsibility: If your role includes advanced systems work or complex reporting, adjust accordingly. Business analysts in cross-functional teams or startups often take on broader job responsibilities, which should be reflected in compensation.
- Be Location-Specific: While remote roles are rising, regions like London still carry higher expectations. For fully remote positions, align with the average salary unless the role is particularly technical or senior.
- Partner with Experts: Consider partnering with data recruitment experts like Live Digital. We know the data recruitment industry inside out and can help companies navigate salary benchmarking, job responsibilities and role scoping to create competitive, strategic offers. Our insight into business analyst jobs across different locations means you stay both attractive and cost-effective.
FAQs about Business Analyst Salaries
What is a high-end salary for a business analyst?
A high-end salary for a business analyst in the UK can exceed £120,000 per year. These roles are usually reserved for senior business analysts or lead business analysts in enterprise organisations, especially in finance, consulting or technology sectors.
Are business analysts in demand in the UK?
Yes, demand is high. From technical business analyst roles in SaaS to business management-led roles in finance, the UK has been pushing digital transformation across sectors and continues to drive hiring.
What specific skills command higher salaries for business analysts?
Skills like SQL, Power BI, Python, stakeholder management and experience with enterprise reporting systems can all push your salary up. The more technical and cross-functional the role, the more companies are willing to pay.
What is the average salary progression for a business analyst over their career?
A typical business analyst might start on £25,000–£35,000. Mid-level roles move closer to £45,000 or £50,000, while experienced business analysts earn £60,000+. Those who progress to lead or senior roles can reach £85,000–£120,000 depending on their industry and location.
How much do junior business analysts make in the UK?
A junior business analyst in the UK earns between £30,739 and £33,262 per year according to Glassdoor. This figure depends on the region, industry and company size.
What are the career paths for people looking to become a business analyst?
You could start in adjacent roles like project coordinator, operations, or data analysis. Over time, career progression can lead to a senior business analyst, lead business analyst, or even head of business analysis. You could also branch into product ownership or consultancy.
Are business analysts usually hired in-house or on a freelance or consultancy basis?
Most business analysts are hired in-house, especially in sectors like healthcare, retail or banking. However, freelance consultants are common in digital transformation projects or short-term technical contracts, particularly in SaaS, enterprise and public sector contracts.
What types of companies hire business analysts?
Essentially, almost all companies hire business analysts. Business analysts are key in organisations needing systems thinking, reporting and strategy execution. Industries span across technology, finance, construction, healthcare, e-commerce and more.
Get Help Hiring for Your Next Business Analyst
If you need to hire a business analyst fast, Live Digital can help. We are a data recruitment agency specialising in connecting top talent with roles that demand niche expertise and excellent analytical skills.
Get in touch with our team today and secure the right candidate before your competitors do.
