IT Manager vs BI Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
BI Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support business decisions.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $75,409/year (76%) higher than a BI Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Manager vs BI Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Manager | BI Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $260,907 | $149,547 | IT +$111,360 |
| New York, NY | $206,737 | $119,905 | IT +$86,832 |
| Seattle, WA | $253,469 | $144,935 | IT +$108,534 |
| Austin, TX | $194,345 | $109,654 | IT +$84,691 |
| Chicago, IL | $186,335 | $103,999 | IT +$82,336 |
| Boston, MA | $234,529 | $133,426 | IT +$101,103 |
| London, UK | £138,371 | £77,839 | IT +$60,532 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$227,074 | CA$132,034 | IT +$95,040 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Manager or BI Developer earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Manager is $175,140/year, compared to $99,731/year for a BI Developer — a difference of $75,409 (76%).
Which has better career growth — IT Manager or BI Developer?+
IT Manager roles are growing at 10% YoY while BI Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. BI Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Manager to BI Developer?+
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 — IT Manager or BI Developer?+
IT Manager has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 45%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.