AI Engineer vs BI Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
AI Engineer
Build AI-powered products and integrate LLMs into applications.
BI Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support business decisions.
AI Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $20,499/year (21%) higher than a BI Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AI Engineer vs BI Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AI Engineer | BI Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,327 | $149,547 | AI +$23,780 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $119,905 | AI +$16,075 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,703 | $144,935 | AI +$28,768 |
| Austin, TX | $137,883 | $109,654 | AI +$28,229 |
| Chicago, IL | $129,960 | $103,999 | AI +$25,961 |
| Boston, MA | $159,072 | $133,426 | AI +$25,646 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £77,839 | AI +$377 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$132,034 | AI +$2,231 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AI Engineer or BI Developer earn more?+
A AI Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a AI Engineer is $120,230/year, compared to $99,731/year for a BI Developer — a difference of $20,499 (21%).
Which has better career growth — AI Engineer or BI Developer?+
AI Engineer roles are growing at 55% YoY while BI Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AI Engineer to BI Developer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — AI Engineer or BI Developer?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.