Backend 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.
Backend Developer
Build server-side APIs, databases, and business logic.
BI Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support business decisions.
Backend 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.
Backend Developer vs BI Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Backend Developer | BI Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,530 | $149,547 | Backend +$44,983 |
| New York, NY | $167,456 | $119,905 | Backend +$47,551 |
| Seattle, WA | $193,111 | $144,935 | Backend +$48,176 |
| Austin, TX | $151,541 | $109,654 | Backend +$41,887 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,538 | $103,999 | Backend +$42,539 |
| Boston, MA | $173,670 | $133,426 | Backend +$40,244 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £77,839 | Backend $3,897 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$132,034 | Backend $5,882 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Backend Developer or BI Developer earn more?+
A Backend Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Backend 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 — Backend Developer or BI Developer?+
Backend Developer roles are growing at 22% YoY while BI Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. BI Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Backend 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 — Backend Developer or BI Developer?+
BI Developer has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.