Business Intelligence Analyst vs AI Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Build dashboards and reports to surface KPIs for business teams.
AI Engineer
Build AI-powered products and integrate LLMs into applications.
Business Intelligence Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $19,270/year (16%) higher than a AI Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Business Intelligence Analyst vs AI Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Business Intelligence Analyst | AI Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $207,300 | $173,327 | Business +$33,973 |
| New York, NY | $172,390 | $135,980 | Business +$36,410 |
| Seattle, WA | $196,915 | $173,703 | Business +$23,212 |
| Austin, TX | $159,214 | $137,883 | Business +$21,331 |
| Chicago, IL | $153,086 | $129,960 | Business +$23,126 |
| Boston, MA | $179,806 | $159,072 | Business +$20,734 |
| London, UK | £105,924 | £78,216 | Business +$27,708 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,284 | CA$134,265 | Business +$48,019 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Business Intelligence Analyst or AI Engineer earn more?+
A Business Intelligence Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Business Intelligence Analyst is $139,500/year, compared to $120,230/year for a AI Engineer — a difference of $19,270 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Business Intelligence Analyst or AI Engineer?+
Business Intelligence Analyst roles are growing at 20% YoY while AI Engineer demand is growing at 55% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Business Intelligence Analyst to AI Engineer?+
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 — Business Intelligence Analyst or AI Engineer?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.