Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become a Management Analyst A bachelor’s degree is the typical entry-level requirement for obtaining a management analyst position. Management analysts typically need at least a bachelor’s degree and several years of related work experience.
Education
A bachelor’s degree is the typical entry-level requirement for management analysts. However, some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). Management analysts address a range of topics, and many fields of study provide a suitable educational background. Fields of bachelor's degree study may include business, social science, and engineering.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Management analysts are not required to get certification, but having a credential may give jobseekers a competitive advantage. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. Work Experience in a Related Occupation Many analysts enter the occupation with several years of work experience. Organizations that specialize in certain fields typically try to hire candidates who have experience in those areas. For example, tax preparation firms may prefer candidates who have worked as an accountant or auditor, and software companies might seek those with experience as a computer systems analyst. Advancement As management analysts gain experience, they often take on more responsibility. Senior-level analysts may supervise teams working on complex projects and may become involved in seeking out new business. Those with exceptional skills may eventually become partners in their organization and focus on attracting new clients and bringing in revenue. Senior analysts may leave consulting and move to management positions at non-consulting organizations.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Employment of management analysts is projected to grow 10 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 94,100 openings for management analysts are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Demand for consulting services is expected to increase as organizations seek ways to improve efficiency and control costs. As markets become more competitive, firms will need to use resources more efficiently. Growth is expected to be particularly strong in smaller consulting companies that specialize in specific industries or types of business function, such as information technology or human resources. Government agencies also are expected to seek the services of management analysts as they look for ways to reduce spending and improve efficiency. Management Analysts Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Management analysts 10% Business operations specialists 6% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Management Analysts Do
Management analysts, often called management consultants, recommend ways to improve an organization’s efficiency. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues.
Duties
Management analysts typically do the following:
- Gather and organize information about the problems to be solved or the procedures to be improved
- Interview personnel and conduct onsite observations to determine the methods, equipment, and personnel that will be needed
- Analyze financial and other data, including revenue, expenditure, and employment reports
- Develop solutions or alternative practices
- Recommend new systems, procedures, or organizational changes
- Make recommendations to management through presentations or written reports
- Confer with managers to ensure changes are working
Although some management analysts work for the organization that they analyze, many work as consultants on a contractual basis.
The work of management analysts may vary from project to project. Some projects require a team of analysts, each specializing in one area. On other projects, analysts work independently with the client organization’s managers.
Management analysts often specialize in certain areas, such as inventory control or reorganizing corporate structures for efficiency. Some focus on a specific industry, such as healthcare or telecommunications. In government, management analysts usually specialize by type of agency.
Organizations hire management analysts to develop strategies for entering and remaining competitive in the market.
Management analysts who work on contract may write proposals and bid for jobs. Typically, an organization that needs the help of a management analyst requests proposals from a number of consultants and consulting companies that specialize in the needed work. Interested companies then submit a proposal that explains details such as how the work will be completed, what the schedule will be, and how much it will cost. The organization selects the proposal that best meets its needs and budget.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Management analysts held about 1.1 million jobs in 2025. The largest employers of management analysts were as follows:
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 33% |
| Government, excluding state and local education and hospitals | 18 |
| Self-employed workers | 14 |
| Finance and insurance | 13 |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 5 |
Management analysts usually divide their time between their offices and the client’s site. Because they must spend a significant amount of time with clients, analysts travel frequently. Analysts may experience stress, especially when trying to meet a client’s demands on a tight schedule.
Work Schedules
Analysts often work many hours under tight deadlines. Some work more than 40 hours per week.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Management analysts must be able to interpret information and use their findings to make proposals. Communication skills. Management analysts must be able to convey information clearly in both writing and speaking. Analysts also need good listening skills to understand an organization’s problems and recommend appropriate solutions. Interpersonal skills. Management analysts work with managers and other employees of the organizations for which they provide consulting services. They should be able to work as a team toward achieving the organization’s goals. Problem-solving skills. Management analysts must be able to think creatively to solve clients’ problems. Although some aspects of clients’ problems may be similar, each situation is likely to present unique challenges for the analyst to solve. Time-management skills. Management analysts often work under tight deadlines and must use their time efficiently to complete projects on schedule.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about management analysts by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.