Business Intelligence Analyst vs Machine Learning 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.
Machine Learning Engineer
Design and deploy machine learning models to production systems.
Business Intelligence Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $19,270/year (16%) higher than a Machine Learning Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Business Intelligence Analyst vs Machine Learning Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Business Intelligence Analyst | Machine Learning Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $207,300 | $173,682 | Business +$33,618 |
| New York, NY | $172,390 | $135,980 | Business +$36,410 |
| Seattle, WA | $196,915 | $174,792 | Business +$22,123 |
| Austin, TX | $159,214 | $134,974 | Business +$24,240 |
| Chicago, IL | $153,086 | $129,773 | Business +$23,313 |
| Boston, MA | $179,806 | $157,928 | Business +$21,878 |
| 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 Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Engineer — a difference of $19,270 (16%).
Which has better career growth — Business Intelligence Analyst or Machine Learning Engineer?+
Business Intelligence Analyst roles are growing at 20% YoY while Machine Learning Engineer demand is growing at 45% YoY. Machine Learning Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Business Intelligence Analyst to Machine Learning 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 Machine Learning Engineer?+
Machine Learning Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.