Business Intelligence Analyst vs Systems Administrator: 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Business Intelligence Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $40,370/year (41%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Business Intelligence Analyst vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Business Intelligence Analyst | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $207,300 | $146,173 | Business +$61,127 |
| New York, NY | $172,390 | $120,157 | Business +$52,233 |
| Seattle, WA | $196,915 | $143,912 | Business +$53,003 |
| Austin, TX | $159,214 | $108,712 | Business +$50,502 |
| Chicago, IL | $153,086 | $104,809 | Business +$48,277 |
| Boston, MA | $179,806 | $127,175 | Business +$52,631 |
| London, UK | £105,924 | £76,827 | Business +$29,097 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,284 | CA$130,867 | Business +$51,417 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Business Intelligence Analyst or Systems Administrator 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 $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $40,370 (41%).
Which has better career growth — Business Intelligence Analyst or Systems Administrator?+
Business Intelligence Analyst roles are growing at 20% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. Business Intelligence Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Business Intelligence Analyst to Systems Administrator?+
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 Systems Administrator?+
Business Intelligence Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (62% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.