How to become a business development officer, market researcher or analyst
Official title: Business development officers and market researchers and analysts
Also called: Sales analyst, Commerce officer, Market researcher, Marketing analyst, Advertising analyst, Marketing researcher, Category sales analyst, Marketing data analyst, Market research analyst, Trade promotion officer, Business issues lobbyist, Analyst - market research
Business development officers and market researchers and analysts conduct research, provide statistical and analytical supports, identify market trends and potential opportunities, formulate policies and manage programs to stimulate industrial and commercial business investment or tourism in urban and rural areas, or to promote commercial or industrial products and services. They are employed by government departments, international organizations, marketing and analytics firms and business associations or may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Develop policies and administer programs to promote industrial and commercial business investment in urban and rural areas
- Design market research questionnaires
- Conduct social or economic surveys on local, regional or national areas to assess development potential and future trends
- Plan development projects and coordinate activities with representatives of a wide variety of industrial and commercial enterprises, community and business associations and government agencies
- Assess business opportunities and develop strategies to attract venture capital
- Respond to enquiries from members of the business community and general public concerning development opportunities
- Review and evaluate commercial or industrial development proposals and provide advice on procedures and requirements for government approval
- Conduct surveys and analyze data on the buying habits and preferences of wholesale or retail consumers
How to become one
A bachelor's degree in economics, commerce, business administration or public administration is required. Certification as a certified economic developer (Ec.D.) may be required. Certification as a Certified Marketing Research Professional (CMRP) may be required.
Ways in
- University: Business & Commerce degrees, Offered by 17 universities in Canada
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $85,800 a year The middle half earn $67,509 to $103,350.
- About 33,700 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 37,900 are projected by 2033. (+12.5%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a business development officer, market researcher or analyst?
A bachelor's degree in economics, commerce, business administration or public administration is required. Certification as a certified economic developer (Ec.D.) may be required. Certification as a Certified Marketing Research Professional (CMRP) may be required.
How much does a business development officer, market researcher or analyst earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $85,800 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $67,509 to $103,350.
Is a business development officer, market researcher or analyst a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 13% by 2033, from about 33,700 to about 37,900 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a business development officer, market researcher or analyst?
Usually. 69% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03