Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service.
What the job is
- The work
- Market research analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service.
BLS
Market Research Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Work environment
- Because most industries use market research, these analysts are employed throughout the economy. Most analysts work full time during regular business hours.
BLS
Market Research Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Good fit for
- Curious people who like statistics, surveys and finding out why customers buy.
- Career cluster
- Marketing & Sales
Key numbers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, pay for May 2025 (market research analysts).
- Median pay
- $78,760 a year ($37.87 an hour)
BLS
Market Research Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs in 2025
- 952,700
- Typical entry
- Bachelor's degree
- Training after hire
- None
Job outlook, 2025–35
- Projected growth
- +7%, which BLS calls "much faster than average"
BLS
Market Research Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- Jobs added
- +66,300 over 2025–35
- All U.S. jobs
- 3.5% over the same period, for comparison
How to become one
- The usual route
- Market research analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some employers require or prefer that job candidates have a master’s degree.
BLS
Market Research Analysts — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- In short
- Market research analysts typically need a bachelor's degree in market research or a related business, communications or social science field. Some employers require or prefer a master's degree, which is often required for leadership or more technical research jobs.
- License
- None
- Paying for it
- File the FAFSA (opens by October 1) for grants, work-study and federal loans; a Pell Grant pays up to $7,395 a year (2026–27). Average public four-year tuition and fees: $11,950 in-state vs $31,880 out-of-state (2025–26). Residency rules and regional discounts · Save with 2+2 transfer
- Your state
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StateChoose a state
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Step-by-step roadmap
The routes step by step, the exam gates and the state license step are on one page.
Market research analyst: bachelor's with statistics and research methods, often a master's or MBA for leadership
See the roadmap
Route 1: Bachelor's with statistics and research methods → analyst · Route 2: Master's in marketing research, or an MBA
More careers in Marketing & Sales
Open the cluster hubEvery career page in this cluster, with entry, license, pay and outlook side by side.
Every number links to the BLS page it came from, checked 20 Oct 2026. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses.