Staff analysts work to make sure their companies run smoothly and efficiently by preparing and administering agency budgets, and conducting economic research and studies. They also prepare procedural, operational and administrative studies and analyses of their company's organization and operations, and they may supervise and train new staff, as well.

Job Responsibilities

According to Boeing jobs, staff analysts oversee incoming and outgoing employees, address their department's administrative activities, gather and track performance data and work to maintain staff morale through company events and activities. These professionals' typical daily tasks may include:

• Maintaining employment spreadsheets.
  
• Develops, coordinates and assesses meeting and briefing structures.
  
• Tracks company needs regarding budget, workforce, training and equipment and facility.
  
• Delivers informational and technical materials to customers, partners, suppliers and employees according to their knowledge of regulations, policies, procedures and best practices.
  
• Prepare, review, edit and publish materials and documents.
• Provide technology support for video and telephone conferences.
• Coordinate travel and expense reimbursements.

Staff analysts conduct much of their work on computers, so position candidates should feel comfortable working with computer technology and in an office setting.

Skill and Education Requirements

Entry-level staff analysts typically hold a bachelor's degree in a subject such as business, management, economics, political science, marketing, accounting, psychology, finance, English or computer and information science. Some employer's prefer candidates with their master's degree – either an MBA (master of business administration) or a master's in one of the following areas of study:

• Economics.
  
• Finance.
  
• Accounting.
  
• Business or public administration.
  
• Human resources management.
  
• Management science.
  
• Operations research.
  
• Organizational behavior.
  
• Industrial psychology.
  
• Statistics.
  
• Personnel administration.
  
• Labor relations.
  
• Psychology.
  
• Sociology.
  
• Human resources development.
  
• Political science.
  
• Urban studies.
  

Candidates with at least three years of prior management consulting experience may also qualify to obtain certified management consultant (CMC) designation. CMC designation requires candidates to pass a national assessment, demonstrating understanding in nine core competency areas. The certification process is rigorous, but can help staff analyst applicants stand out from their peers. Typical work background for CMC candidates includes experience in management, human resources or information technology.

Prospective staff analysts should also make sure to hone their skills in the following areas:

• Analytical thinking.
  
• Verbal and written communication.
  
• Interpersonal relations.
  
• Problem-solving.
  
• Time management.
  
• Organization and multitasking.
• Ability to work well in team environments.

Employers often prefer applicants with proficiency in Microsoft Office, including advanced Excel skills.

Earning Potential

According to PayScale, staff analysts earn a median annual wage of $64,000, which breaks down to $27.05 per hour. Professionals in the lowest 10 percent of earners bring home about $43,000 each year, while those in the 90th percentile can earn up to $103,000 annually. Boeing jobs in particular pays its staff analysts an average salary of $64,054 each year.

Entry-level staff analysts with zero to five years of experience can expect an annual wage of about $53,000. Mid-career professionals with five to 10 years of experience under their belt earn a median annual wage of about $68,000. Experienced staff analysts with between 10 and 20 years of experience earn about $82,000 per year. Late-career employees who have worked as staff analysts for 20 years or longer should earn an annual wage of about $86,000.