Business Analyst
$85,000
avg. annual salary
Business Analyst
pays more on average
Account Executive
$82,775
avg. annual salary
Choosing between a career as a Business Analyst or an Account Executive? Understanding the salary differences, benefits, and career paths of these roles can help you make an informed decision. Business Analysts focus on data-driven decision-making, driving strategic improvements, and enhancing business efficiency. In contrast, Account Executives are typically involved in client relationships, sales processes, and revenue generation for their companies. This comparison will provide valuable insights into the expected salaries and advantages of each position, helping you assess which career aligns best with your skills and aspirations. Let’s dive into the details of salaries and career outlooks for both roles in 2025.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (3%)
Salary Overview
In 2025, the average salary for a Business Analyst is approximately $85,000 per year, while an Account Executive earns an average salary of around $75,000 annually. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience level, and industry.
Typically, Business Analysts command higher salaries as their roles require a blend of analytical skills and business acumen.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level
The salary breakdown for both roles usually looks like this:
Business Analyst:
- •Entry Level: $60,000 - $75,000
- •Mid Level: $85,000 - $100,000
- •Senior Level: $110,000 - $130,000
Account Executive:
- •Entry Level: $50,000 - $65,000
- •Mid Level: $70,000 - $85,000
- •Senior Level: $90,000 - $110,000
As seen, Business Analysts typically achieve higher salaries as they gain experience compared to Account Executives.
Benefits Associated with Each Role
Business Analysts often enjoy comprehensive benefits packages, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and flexible working hours. Account Executives frequently receive commission-based pay, bonuses for sales performance, and travel reimbursements.
Both roles may offer additional perks such as professional development opportunities and remote work options.
Career Paths and Growth Opportunities
Business Analysts can advance to managerial roles such as Business Intelligence Manager or Project Manager. With growing demand for data-driven decision-making, their prospects look favorable.
Account Executives can progress to roles such as Sales Manager or Account Director, focusing more on strategic client engagement. Both paths offer significant growth potential depending on skills and market demand.
Job Market Trends
The job market for both Business Analysts and Account Executives remains strong in 2025. As businesses increasingly rely on data for strategic planning, the need for skilled analysts continues to grow.
Meanwhile, Account Executives are essential for driving sales and maintaining customer relationships, which remains a key component of business success.
Detailed Comparison
### Business Analyst vs Account Executive: 2025 snapshot
- •Base pay (median): Business Analyst (BA) ~$92,000; Account Executive (AE) base ~$75,000. However, AEs earn commissions: median AE total compensation (OTE) ≈ $110,000.
- •Experience bands: Entry BA $60k–75k; Senior BA $110k–140k. Entry AE base $50k–65k + 20–30% commission; Senior AE OTE $150k–250k in enterprise sales.
- •Industry impact: Fintech/tech BAs often command $100k–130k. SaaS AEs at mid-market/enterprise regularly exceed $150k OTE.
- •Location & skills: SF/NY add ~20–30% to pay; Midwest reduces 10–20%. SQL/Python for BAs can raise pay $5k–15k.
Actionable takeaways: choose BA for steadier salary growth and technical skill premium; choose AE if you prefer upside via commission and higher OTE potential.