user research vs business analyst

Research Analyst vs. Business Analyst: What Are the Differences?

Learn about the two careers and review some of the similarities and differences between them.

If you’re interested in a career in business or data analysis, you may be wondering whether a research analyst or business analyst role is right for you. Both positions require strong analytical and research skills, but there are some key differences between the two. In this article, we compare and contrast research analysts and business analysts, including job duties, education requirements and salary expectations.

What is a Research Analyst?

Research Analysts collect, analyze and interpret data to help their clients, employers or the general public better understand an issue or solve a problem. They use a variety of data sources, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, market research, business records and government statistics. Research Analysts typically specialize in a particular industry, such as healthcare, finance or marketing. They often use statistical software to analyze their data and may create charts, graphs or reports to present their findings. Research Analysts typically work in office settings, but may also work from home.

What is a Business Analyst?

A Business Analyst is a professional who is responsible for analyzing an organization or business domain and documenting its business or processes or systems, assessing the business model or its integration with technology. They also gather, analyze and document requirements for new systems or for changes to existing ones, as well as performing cost-benefit analyses to determine if a proposed system or change is worth the investment. Business Analysts work with stakeholders to understand the needs of the business and then work with technical staff to develop solutions that meet those needs. They also play a key role in testing new systems before they are implemented to ensure that they meet the requirements.

Research Analyst vs. Business Analyst

Here are the main differences between a research analyst and a business analyst.

Business analysts perform many of the same tasks as research analysts, but their duties are more focused on gathering information and data. Research analysts use that data to determine a company’s needs and develop strategies for improvement. Their job duties may include conducting surveys, interviews and focus groups. Business analysts also evaluate products and services, but they do so with an eye toward implementation. They may devise strategies for implementation and communicate those strategies to other departments.

Job Requirements

Research analysts usually need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. Many research analyst positions require a master’s degree as well. Common majors for research analysts include economics, mathematics, statistics and finance. Research analysts might also pursue certifications through professional organizations, such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation offered by the CFA Institute.

Business analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree in business administration or another related field. Some employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree as well, but it is not required for entry-level positions. Business analysts might also pursue certifications through professional organizations, such as the Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP) designation offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA).

Work Environment

Research analysts typically work in an office setting, but they may also travel to meet with clients and conduct research. Business analysts often work in an office environment, but they may also visit client sites or attend meetings to discuss projects. Both professionals may work long hours during busy periods, such as when a project is nearing completion.

Business analysts usually have more freedom than research analysts because of the nature of their jobs. Research analysts are subject to strict confidentiality policies that limit their ability to share information about their projects. Business analysts can use their knowledge of business processes to help companies improve efficiency and productivity.

Both research analysts and business analysts use analytical skills to examine data and draw conclusions. They also both use communication skills to present their findings to clients or colleagues. However, there are some key differences in the specific skills each type of analyst uses.

A research analyst is going to need to be skilled in research methods, such as surveys, interviews and focus groups. They will also need to know how to use statistical software programs to analyze data. A business analyst, on the other hand, needs to be skilled in project management. They need to understand how to create timelines, manage budgets and coordinate teams. They may also need to have programming skills to develop prototypes or test new software applications.

The average salary for a research analyst is $68,414 per year, while the average salary for a business analyst is $80,401 per year. Both of these salaries can vary depending on the industry in which you work, your level of experience and your location.

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Research Analyst Vs Business Analyst

The differences between research analysts and business analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 4-6 years to become a research analyst, becoming a business analyst takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a business analyst has an average salary of $74,431, which is higher than the $70,232 average annual salary of a research analyst.

The top three skills for a research analyst include data analysis, data collection and research projects. The most important skills for a business analyst are project management, data analysis, and business analysis.

Research analyst vs business analyst overview

What does a research analyst do.

A research analyst is responsible for providing a company with insights and advice concerning finance, investments, and expenditures. Utilizing their analytical skills and extensive expertise in marketing, they analyze the trends and significant factors to conclude which decision should be the best to make. They can also take part in conducting an in-depth analysis of a business and examine which areas require improvement or has potential. Furthermore, they may work with a company or independently as a freelance analyst.

What does a business analyst do?

Business analysts are employees who are responsible for interpreting business data and coming up with business solutions. They are well-versed in whatever business the company is in, and they have strong business acumen. They collect data related to the business and then interpret and analyze the data. Business analysts should be able to conduct different levels of analyses and must also be able to create a sound study. Once the analysis is done, they provide recommendations or strategic direction to decision-makers that will help the business become sustainable and grow.

Research analyst vs business analyst salary

Research analysts and business analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.

Differences between research analyst and business analyst education

There are a few differences between a research analyst and a business analyst in terms of educational background:

Research analyst vs business analyst demographics

Here are the differences between research analysts' and business analysts' demographics:

Differences between research analyst and business analyst duties and responsibilities

Research analyst example responsibilities..

Develop VBA to automate the analysis of website data, which save staff labor time.
Manage medication studies, and ensury clinical trial centers conduct studies in accordance with GCP standards.
Manage project team meetings using SharePoint calendars.
Work with engineering teams to troubleshoot issues.
Design and code windows in PowerBuilder for EMPRV application.
Assist with ongoing implementation of POS and PC systems for upgrades and new locations.

Business Analyst Example Responsibilities.

Lead the implementation of a web-base application in an UNIX environment for an organization that manages pharmacy claims data.
Lead CRP sessions during implementation, design and testing.
Manage the resolution of forty plus software issues with PeopleSoft's design and development teams.
Used ALM as the requirements management tool to capture, prioritize, and manage requirements.
Complete updated version of website and provide CMS system to internal staff to manage website content.
Manage PeopleSoft security audits, end-user support for security issues, and security changes to role and permission lists.