IT Support Specialist 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 Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
BI Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support business decisions.
BI Developer earns more on average — the national median is $37,871/year (61%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Support Specialist vs BI Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | BI Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $149,547 | IT $56,739 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $119,905 | IT $46,988 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $144,935 | IT $57,968 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $109,654 | IT $40,410 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $103,999 | IT $39,122 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $133,426 | IT $54,211 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £77,839 | IT $29,841 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$132,034 | IT $47,838 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or BI Developer earn more?+
A BI Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $99,731/year for a BI Developer — a difference of $37,871 (61%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or BI Developer?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while BI Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. BI Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist 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 Support Specialist or BI Developer?+
BI Developer has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.