Data Analyst vs BI Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
BI Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support business decisions.
BI Developer earns more on average — the national median is $10,791/year (12%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Analyst vs BI Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Analyst | BI Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $129,659 | $149,547 | Data $19,888 |
| New York, NY | $108,724 | $119,905 | Data $11,181 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,930 | $144,935 | Data $42,005 |
| Austin, TX | $101,065 | $109,654 | Data $8,589 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,625 | $103,999 | Data $11,374 |
| Boston, MA | $113,607 | $133,426 | Data $19,819 |
| London, UK | £71,596 | £77,839 | Data $6,243 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$116,846 | CA$132,034 | Data $15,188 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Analyst or BI Developer earn more?+
A BI Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Analyst is $88,940/year, compared to $99,731/year for a BI Developer — a difference of $10,791 (12%).
Which has better career growth — Data Analyst or BI Developer?+
Data Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while BI Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. Data Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Analyst to BI Developer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: SQL, Tableau.
Which is harder to automate — Data Analyst or BI Developer?+
BI Developer has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.