Market Research Analyst Job Description: Salary, Top Companies, and Future

Market Research Analyst Job Description Summary: Market research analysts collect survey and sales data, track competitor activity, and run statistical tests to find genuine customer needs. These professionals design data-collection instruments, clean and validate datasets, and translate complex metrics into actionable recommendations for product features, pricing, and marketing strategies.

Did you know? BLS projects an 8% increase in market research analyst roles from 2023 to 2033, which means opportunities are on the rise, but so is the competition. To stand out, you need to master Python, SQL, and machine-learning workflows with real-world datasets. And, data science courses help you with that – they teach you how to do market research, analyze big data, and spot trends before others.

In the following sections, you’ll explore a clear breakdown of a market research analyst job description, including day-to-day responsibilities, skills, salary trends in 2025, career path, and steps for becoming a market research analyst in India. 

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What is a Market Research Analyst? What Do They Do?

Definition – Market Research Analyst: Market research analysts transform streams of feedback, from customer interviews and online reviews to sales figures, into clear business decisions. They design polls, segment audiences, and test pricing models before campaigns go live. By connecting consumer sentiment with market performance, they help companies shape products that resonate and set prices that sell.

What is the Role of a Market Research Analyst – Day-to-day Duties

Did you know? According to Backlinko’s 2025 survey, 85% of market research professionals rely on online surveys as their primary data-collection method.

Daily duties of a market research analyst (beyond running polls):

• Questionnaire Design: Draft and refine survey questions to capture precise customer insights.
• Data Preparation: Clean, validate, and organize raw datasets for accurate analysis.
• Trend Monitoring: Track sales metrics and competitor activity to spot emerging shifts.
• Statistical Testing: Run analyses in SPSS, R, or Python to validate hypotheses.
• Insight Visualization: Build charts, graphs, and dashboards that clarify key findings.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Coordinate with marketing, product, and sales teams to align research with business objectives.

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Market Research Analyst Job Description - Roles and Responsibilities

Market research analysts guide every phase of a study: they set clear objectives, design research plans, manage fieldwork, analyze results, and advise teams on applying their findings.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of a Market Research Analyst:

• Objective Setting: Define research goals and scope to align projects with business priorities.
• Methodology Design: Choose and structure qualitative and quantitative research methods — surveys, focus groups, interviews, ethnography — that best capture target insights.
• Instrument Development: Craft and refine questionnaires, polls, and data-collection tools for clarity and reliability.
• Fieldwork Coordination: Brief and oversee interviewers, moderators, and survey staff to ensure consistent data gathering.
• Data Management: Clean, validate, and organize raw data; maintain research databases for easy retrieval.
• Statistical Analysis: Apply tools like SPSS, SAS, R, or Python to run tests, build models, and verify hypotheses.
• Trend Forecasting: Monitor sales, campaign metrics, and market shifts; conduct SWOT analyses to pinpoint opportunities.
• Competitive Intelligence: Gather and evaluate competitor pricing, products, and marketing tactics to inform strategy.
• Product & Brand Testing: Run product trials and brand‐perception studies to fine-tune positioning and messaging.
• Insight Visualization: Create charts, infographics, and dashboards that translate complex data into clear visual stories.
• Reporting & Presentation: Write detailed reports and deliver findings to stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Stakeholder Advising: Recommend actionable steps to marketing, product, and sales teams based on research insights.
• Budget & Timeline Management: Track project milestones, manage budgets, and ensure timely delivery of research outputs.
• Quality Assurance: Review protocols and methodologies to guarantee data accuracy and reliability.
• Best Practices Implementation: Stay updated on industry advances — AI tools, synthetic data techniques — and integrate them into workflows.

Did you know? According to a recent Backlinko study, around 47% of market research analysts worldwide now routinely use AI to automate data cleaning, analysis, and reporting.

What Skills Do You Need to Be a Market Research Analyst?

Market research analysts combine data expertise with clear storytelling to turn numbers into decisions. You’ll need both hands-on tool skills and strong interpersonal abilities to guide every phase of a study and ensure stakeholders act on your insights.

Technical Skills for a Market Research Analyst

A robust technical toolkit lets analysts extract, validate, and visualize data with confidence.

Key Technical Skills:

• Statistical Software Proficiency: Execute regressions, build predictive models, and validate hypotheses in SPSS, SAS, R, or Python.
• Database Management: Query, cleanse, and structure large datasets using SQL and Excel.
• Data Visualization: Design dashboards and infographics in Tableau, Power BI, or Plotly that highlight key patterns.
• Survey Platform Expertise: Create and deploy questionnaires in Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, or Google Forms for reliable primary data.
• Programming & Automation: Script repeatable workflows in Python or R to streamline analyses and reporting.
• Advanced Analytics: Apply machine-learning algorithms and forecasting methods to uncover deeper insights.
• CRM & Web Analytics: Use Google Analytics, Adobe Analytics, and CRM systems for campaign and competitive intelligence.
• Text & Sentiment Analysis: Use basic NLP tools to interpret open-ended survey responses and social-media chatter.
• Data Modeling Tools: Employ Qlikview, Python libraries, or similar platforms to segment audiences and forecast market trends.

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Soft Skills for a Market Research Analyst

Did you know? O*NET ranks Analytical Thinking with an importance score of 99 out of 100 for market research analysts. 

Data only speaks when you can communicate and collaborate effectively. Hence, soft skills are just as essential as technical skills. 

Key Soft Skills:

• Analytical Thinking: Break down complex problems and connect data patterns to research goals.
• Critical Thinking: Challenge assumptions and refine methods to keep research valid.
• Clear Communication: Distill complex findings into concise reports and presentations.
• Reading Comprehension: Interpret dense reports, academic studies, and data documentation with ease.
• Collaboration: Work closely with marketing, product, and sales teams to align objectives and insights.
• Project Management: Plan timelines, allocate resources, and track budgets to keep studies on schedule.
• Attention to Detail: Spot data anomalies and maintain integrity throughout analysis.
• Problem-Solving: Adapt approaches when data gaps or unexpected challenges arise.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Negotiate scope, gather requirements, and keep clients informed at every step.
• Ethical Judgment: Uphold data-privacy regulations and research ethics standards.
• Adaptability: Embrace new tools and methods to stay ahead.
• Creativity & Storytelling: Turn numbers into narratives that resonate with decision-makers.
• Interviewing: Guide focus groups and one-on-one conversations to extract honest feedback.
• Negotiation: Balance project goals and constraints when defining scope and timelines.
• Business Acumen: Understand market dynamics, customer behavior, and competitive strategies to ground analyses in a real-world context.

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What Are the Qualifications and Educational Background of a Market Research Analyst?

Did you know? According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly all market research analyst positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, and some employers now prefer candidates with a master’s degree.

Market research analysts need formal training in both quantitative and qualitative methods to design valid studies and interpret results accurately. Employers look for candidates who understand statistical techniques, consumer behavior, and market dynamics.

Credentials and educational steps that most organizations require:

• Bachelor’s Degree: A minimum in statistics, marketing research, economics, business administration, psychology, sociology, anthropology, mathematics, or a related field.
• Master’s Degree or MBA: Preferred for senior or specialized roles; common focuses include data science, market research, and business analytics.
• Core Coursework: Classes in statistical methods, research design, consumer behavior, marketing strategy, branding, and hands-on use of data analysis software.
• Professional Certifications: Programs like IIIT-Bangalore’s Executive PG Diploma in Data Science & AI sharpen hands-on analytical techniques.
• Continuing Education: Postgraduate pathways like an MS in Data Science from Liverpool John Moores University with IIIT-Bangalore keep skills current through real-world case studies.
• Practical Experience: Internships, work placements, or volunteer research projects that involve survey execution, data cleaning, and report writing build credentials.

What Are the Types of Market Research Analysts?

Did you know? People often confuse the role of a market research analyst with that of a marketing research analyst, but these are distinct roles. Market research analysts explore broad market trends and customer behaviors to guide strategic decisions. By contrast, marketing research analysts focus on measuring and optimizing specific campaign performance and channel effectiveness.

Market research analysis branches into distinct paths, each demanding unique expertise. Below, explore the four core specializations and what each contributes to data-driven decisions.

Quantitative Research Analyst

Quantitative Market Research Analyst Job Description: Quantitative research analysts design studies that generate measurable data and turn numbers into reliable insights. They develop large-scale surveys and sampling plans to capture representative consumer responses. Their forecasts and simulations help teams predict market demand and optimize resource allocation.

Tasks that set quantitative analysts apart:

• Survey Programming: Build and launch high-volume online, phone, or mail surveys.
• Sampling Strategy: Calculate sample sizes and select cohorts that accurately reflect target populations.
• Data Pipeline Automation: Script workflows to clean, merge, and prepare datasets for analysis.
• Statistical Modeling: Run regressions, factor analyses, and cluster models in SPSS, R, or Python.
• Forecasting & Simulation: Create time-series and Monte Carlo simulations to project future scenarios.

Qualitative Research Analyst

Qualitative Market Research Analyst Job Description: Qualitative research analysts uncover the why behind consumer actions. They craft discussion guides that prompt participants to share experiences, preferences, and frustrations. They lead focus groups, in-depth interviews, and ethnographic visits to collect rich, contextual stories. 

Key activities for qualitative analysts include:

• Discussion Guide Creation: Develop protocols that direct conversations toward deep insights.
• Moderation & Interviewing: Lead focus groups and one-on-one sessions to gather candid feedback.
• Ethnographic Fieldwork: Observe consumers in their natural environments to capture authentic behaviors.
• Transcription & Thematic Coding: Convert recordings into text and apply structured coding frameworks.
• Insight Synthesis: Craft narrative reports that highlight key motivations and unmet needs.

Consumer Market Research Analyst

Consumer Market Research Analyst Job Description: Consumer market research analysts zero in on end-user attitudes, buying journeys, and brand performance. They segment audiences by demographics, psychographics, and purchase behavior. They map each interaction point — awareness, consideration, purchase, and loyalty — to identify friction and delight moments. 

Distinct responsibilities for consumer analysts:

• Segmentation Analysis: Define and profile customer groups for targeted outreach.
• Journey Mapping: Chart touchpoints to reveal barriers and opportunities in the purchase path.
• Satisfaction & Loyalty Tracking: Measure Net Promoter Score and customer satisfaction over time.
• Churn Analysis: Identify factors leading to customer loss and suggest retention tactics.
• Brand Equity Monitoring: Track shifts in awareness and perception through longitudinal panels.

Also Read: What is Consumer Behaviour in Marketing?

Financial Market Research Analyst

Financial Market Research Analyst Job Description: Financial market research analysts focus on economic trends, asset performance, and investment potential. They monitor key indicators such as GDP, inflation, and interest rates to assess market health. They quantify risk through volatility measures and stress-testing, and then, translate findings into actionable portfolio recommendations.

Core tasks for financial analysts:

• Indicator Monitoring: Track macroeconomic data and sector indices to spot emerging trends.
• Valuation Modeling: Develop DCF and comparative models in Excel to value companies and projects.
• Risk Analysis: Calculate volatility, beta, and VaR to assess exposure and guide the design of risk management strategies.
• Industry Benchmarking: Compare financial ratios and credit metrics across competitors.
• Investment Reporting: Produce briefs recommending buy, hold, or sell actions based on data.

What Types of Research Does a Market Research Analyst Do?

Market research analysts conduct distinct types of research, each designed to answer specific business questions. They dissect consumer behavior, map industry dynamics, evaluate marketing efforts, and monitor rivals to deliver targeted insights.

In practice, this work falls into four main research categories:

• Customer Research: Study demographics, psychographics, and purchase drivers through surveys, interviews, and focus groups to uncover needs, motivations, and pain points.
• Market Research: Measure overall market size, growth rates, and segment potential using industry reports, secondary data, and trend analysis to inform product positioning.
• Campaign Research: Test messaging, creative concepts, and media channels before and after launch; run A/B experiments, track ad recall, and calculate return on investment to refine future campaigns.
• Competitor Research: Benchmark rival products, pricing, and promotional tactics; conduct SWOT analyses and perceptual mapping to identify gaps and craft winning strategies.

What is the Salary of a Market Research Analyst in India in 2025?

Average Annual Salary of Market Research Analyst in India in 2025: INR 5L

Did you know? ​As per Glassdoor, market research analysts take home an additional income of INR 50,000 on top of their average annual salaries. This additional income comes from tips and cash bonuses. ​

The salaries of market research analysts vary based on experience level, industry, and even location. Let’s explore all variations in detail.

Market Research Analyst Salary by Experience

Here’s a breakdown of the average annual salary range of a Market Research Analyst:

Source: AmbitionBox

Market Research Analyst Salary by Industry 

Explore the salaries of Market Research Analysts by industry:

Source: AmbitionBox

Market Research Analyst Salary by Geography

Here’s a simplified breakdown of a Market Research Analyst’s salary in different parts of India:

Source: AmbitionBox

Market Research Analyst Salary in India vs The World 

Here’s a snapshot of how salaries for Market Research Analysts in India compare to salaries in the US, UK, Germany, Canada, and Australia. 

*Please Note: The global salaries for Market Research Analysts can vary based on fluctuations in the currency conversion charges in real time. 

Source: Glassdoor, AmbitionBox

Market Research Analysts Career Path

Market research analysts follow a clear progression, growing from data-focused roles into leadership positions where they guide research direction and influence high-level decisions.

The typical career path for market research analysts (alongside the average annual salary for each role):

• Junior Market Research Analyst: INR 3 LPA
• Market Research Analyst: INR 5 LPA
• Senior Market Research Analyst: INR 6.4 LPA
• Research Manager: INR 12.5 LPA
• Insights Director: INR 13.6 LPA
• Head of Market Research: INR 14.9 LPA

How to Become a Market Research Analyst? Step-by-Step Guide

Did you know? Market research analysts usually work full-time — about 40 hours per week in an office setting — but often put in extra hours to meet tight deadlines, according to the work environment for market research analysts described by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Launching your career as a market research analyst means combining formal education, hands-on practice, and industry credentials.

Follow these steps to break into the field:

• Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree: Complete a program in statistics, marketing, economics, psychology, sociology, or a related discipline to build your analytical foundation.
• Step 2: Master Core Coursework: Gain skills in research design, statistical methods, and data-analysis software (SPSS, R, Python) through dedicated classes.
• Step 3: Build Technical Proficiency: Practice with survey platforms (Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey), SQL databases, and data-visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) on real datasets.
• Step 4: Gain Practical Experience: Secure internships, apprenticeships, or project work that involves survey execution, data cleaning, and report writing.
• Step 5: Obtain Professional Credentials: To stand out, pursue industry certifications (e.g., CMRA, PRC) or specialized certificates in data science and analytics.
• Step 6: Develop a Portfolio: Showcase case studies and capstone projects that highlight your ability to turn raw data into actionable insights.
• Step 7: Apply to Entry-Level Roles: Target positions as a junior analyst or research assistant, emphasizing your technical skills, certifications, and practical projects.
• Step 8: Commit to Lifelong Learning: Stay current with workshops, webinars, and advanced programs (MS in Data Science, MBA in Business Analytics) to excel in your career.

Which Companies Hire Market Research Analysts in India? Top Organizations to Explore

Did you know? According to the Market Research Services Market Report 2025, the market size of the market research industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6%, reaching USD 93.29 billion by the end of 2025.

A wide range of consultancies, specialized agencies, and domestic firms in India recruit market research analysts to tackle everything from large-scale surveys to deep-dive competitive assessments.

List of top companies that hire market research analysts:

Future Job Outlook for Market Research Analysts: Growth in India and Worldwide

Did you know? The job outlook for market research analysts remains strong, with sustained growth expectations and surging early-career demand. BLS projects employment of market research analysts to grow 8% from 2023 to 2033, adding about 88,500 new jobs per year during the forecast period. 

And, there’s more good news – freshers hiring in the KPO/Research/Analytics segment, where many analysts launch their careers, jumped 39% year-over-year in October 2024.

Wondering what’s driving this surge despite the tough job market? 

Here are the reasons fueling the demand for market research analysts:

• Data-Driven Expansion: Companies across finance, retail, and tech pour resources into big-data initiatives, creating roles for analysts who can wrangle complex datasets.
• AI-Enabled Research: Widespread adoption of machine-learning platforms automates routine analysis and boosts demand for experts to train models and interpret results.
• Digital Market Growth: E-commerce, social media, and mobile-first markets require continual studies to track shifting consumer behaviors in real time.
• Customer-Centric Imperative: Personalization strategies depend on deep customer insights, making analysts irreplaceable for mapping preferences and pain points.
• Global & Emerging Markets: Expansion into regions like Southeast Asia and Africa introduces new audiences and data sources, spurring fresh research projects.
• Cross-Functional Integration: As teams embed insights into product design, pricing, and marketing, analysts rank among the most important collaborators in an organization.

Conclusion

As you build your skills as a market research analyst, focus on real-world practice: run a small survey for a local startup, mine open datasets for trends, and craft concise reports that recommend clear actions. Share your work with seasoned analysts for feedback and refine how you tell data stories. 

Always remember that a targeted portfolio showcasing your analytical rigor and talent for influencing decisions will set you apart.

If you’d like one-on-one guidance on sharpening your skills, mapping certifications, and tailoring your resume to the market, schedule a free career counseling call with upGrad. Our experts will help you turn your strengths into a plan that lands you in the right market research role.

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