AR/VR Developer vs BI Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
AR/VR Developer
Build augmented and virtual reality experiences for gaming, enterprise, and training.
BI Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support business decisions.
AR/VR Developer earns more on average — the national median is $36,249/year (36%) higher than a BI Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AR/VR Developer vs BI Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AR/VR Developer | BI Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,489 | $149,547 | AR/VR +$44,942 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $119,905 | AR/VR +$46,925 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,885 | $144,935 | AR/VR +$43,950 |
| Austin, TX | $153,759 | $109,654 | AR/VR +$44,105 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,495 | $103,999 | AR/VR +$40,496 |
| Boston, MA | $172,806 | $133,426 | AR/VR +$39,380 |
| London, UK | £103,650 | £77,839 | AR/VR +$25,811 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$175,134 | CA$132,034 | AR/VR +$43,100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AR/VR Developer or BI Developer earn more?+
A AR/VR Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a AR/VR Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $99,731/year for a BI Developer — a difference of $36,249 (36%).
Which has better career growth — AR/VR Developer or BI Developer?+
AR/VR Developer roles are growing at 38% YoY while BI Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AR/VR Developer 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 — AR/VR Developer or BI Developer?+
AR/VR Developer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.