Modern businesses are integrating analytics into managerial practices and decision-making in order to compete in today’s data-driven business environment. This trend means professionals with expertise in applying data analytics to best practices in business management and decision-making are in demand and compensated well.
The field of business analytics sits at the intersection of data science, analytics tools and strategic decision-making. The advanced study of business analytics is relatively new. As a result, there is a shortage of professionals with expertise in the area, especially those with extensive management knowledge, experience and education. Addressing the need for professional development in the field, Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) offers a fully online Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Business Analytics program.
This degree program prepares you for a wide variety of in-demand roles that will position your career for the future. The following are five unique jobs you can pursue with a business analytics MBA in hand.
1. Data Analyst
Data analysts carry out the foundational functions of an organization’s data operations, such as business analytics. They collect, manage, organize and analyze data while rendering the insights gained into usable, understandable formats for different departments and management levels. The methods they use to translate data analytics insights for end-users vary. For instance, data visualization is a common and impactful tool that helps decision-makers fully grasp the stories data can tell.
A data analyst role may be an entry or mid-level position. According to November 2025 information from ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for data analysts is $82,640, with a typical salary range of $62,500 to $97,000 per year. Professionals with more experience and higher levels of education may occupy the role of senior data analyst, commanding a higher average salary of $99,231, with top salaries exceeding $135,000 per year.
2. Data Analytics Manager
These professionals coordinate and oversee an analytics team or an organization’s entire system of analytics operations and data governance, depending on the structure of the organization. This position requires more cross-functional management knowledge and skills integrated with data analytics expertise. With advanced competencies in data analytics, management and organizational leadership gained from an MBA in business analytics, graduates of FGCU’s online program can excel in data analytics manager roles.
Salaries vary widely according to a professional’s specific role, experience, education and the local job market. ZipRecruiter reports that the average salary of analytics managers is $125,326 per year, as of November 2025. Glassdoor data from April 2025 suggests that the typical total pay range for professionals in data analytics manager positions is $125,000 to $210,000 per year. This figure includes additional compensation such as bonuses and profit-sharing opportunities.
3. Business Analytics Director
The responsibilities of directors that oversee business analytics processes may overlap with the job duties of data analytics managers. However, the business analytics director focuses on using insight gained from data analytics and various other predictive models and tools to drive strategic decision-making, improve efficiency and grow profits. Logically, this professional role is ideal for graduates of an MBA in business analytics program.
The business analytics director position is relatively new, like the field itself. As of November 2025, ZipRecruiter estimates that the average annual salary for business analytics directors is $158,116, with a typical salary range of $112,000 to $180,000 per year.
4. Computer and Information Systems Manager
The job of computer and information systems manager is ideal for professionals with a combination of managerial skills, a background in computer science or information technology, and an advanced understanding of data analytics. These managers generally coordinate the entirety of an organization’s computer-related activities, including the integration of optimized systems such as a modern information management system.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that professionals in this role generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology, and some organizations prefer those in upper management have a graduate degree such as a specialized business analytics MBA. According to BLS, the median annual salary for computer and information systems managers was $171,200 in 2024.
5. Chief Data Officer and Other Executive-level Analytics Leadership Roles
Executive-level leadership positions for analytics professionals include titles such as chief data officer (CDO), chief analytics officer (CAO) and chief data analytics officer (CDAO). They are the top data-driven decision-makers in an organization and generally oversee all data management and business analytics operations. These executive roles are ideal for professionals with extensive education and experience in integrated, applied data analytics and high-level management practices across all aspects of an organization.
Top analytics leaders must fully understand the big picture of an organization’s data governance structure and activities, from policy and management to system selection and integration. With this high degree of responsibility and expertise comes a high level of compensation. For instance, Glassdoor reports the median total pay for chief analytics officers to be $259,000 per year, as of April 2025, with a typical range of $126,000 to $229,000 in base salary and $69,000 to $128,000 in additional compensation.
Leverage a Master’s in Business Analytics Degree to Drive Your Career to the Highest Levels
Clearly, advanced competencies in data science and business analytics have wide applicability to many jobs, especially when combined with management education and experience. Given the widespread and ever-increasing integration of data analytics into operations in most every industry, the demand for management-ready data analytics professionals will continue to grow.
An MBA in business analytics from FGCU enables you to gain in-demand skills and knowledge at the intersection of analytics and business management. This combination of expertise is precisely what you need to ascend to the top levels of analytics leadership positions.
Learn more about Florida Gulf Coast University’s online MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics program.
