Business Intelligence Analyst vs Solutions Architect: 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.
Solutions Architect
Design technical solutions to meet customer business requirements.
Business Intelligence Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $22,920/year (20%) higher than a Solutions Architect. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Business Intelligence Analyst vs Solutions Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Business Intelligence Analyst | Solutions Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $207,300 | $166,946 | Business +$40,354 |
| New York, NY | $172,390 | $142,757 | Business +$29,633 |
| Seattle, WA | $196,915 | $165,593 | Business +$31,322 |
| Austin, TX | $159,214 | $130,504 | Business +$28,710 |
| Chicago, IL | $153,086 | $128,220 | Business +$24,866 |
| Boston, MA | $179,806 | $149,219 | Business +$30,587 |
| London, UK | £105,924 | £88,896 | Business +$17,028 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,284 | CA$151,769 | Business +$30,515 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Business Intelligence Analyst or Solutions Architect 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 $116,580/year for a Solutions Architect — a difference of $22,920 (20%).
Which has better career growth — Business Intelligence Analyst or Solutions Architect?+
Business Intelligence Analyst roles are growing at 20% YoY while Solutions Architect demand is growing at 24% YoY. Solutions Architect has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Business Intelligence Analyst to Solutions Architect?+
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 Solutions Architect?+
Solutions Architect has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.