Business Intelligence Analyst vs IT Support Specialist: 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.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Business Intelligence Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $77,640/year (126%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Business Intelligence Analyst vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Business Intelligence Analyst | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $207,300 | $92,808 | Business +$114,492 |
| New York, NY | $172,390 | $72,917 | Business +$99,473 |
| Seattle, WA | $196,915 | $86,967 | Business +$109,948 |
| Austin, TX | $159,214 | $69,244 | Business +$89,970 |
| Chicago, IL | $153,086 | $64,877 | Business +$88,209 |
| Boston, MA | $179,806 | $79,215 | Business +$100,591 |
| London, UK | £105,924 | £47,998 | Business +$57,926 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,284 | CA$84,196 | Business +$98,088 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Business Intelligence Analyst or IT Support Specialist 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 $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $77,640 (126%).
Which has better career growth — Business Intelligence Analyst or IT Support Specialist?+
Business Intelligence Analyst roles are growing at 20% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. Business Intelligence Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Business Intelligence Analyst to IT Support Specialist?+
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 IT Support Specialist?+
Business Intelligence Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (62% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.