Web Developer vs BI Developer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Web Developer
Build and maintain websites and web applications.
BI Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support business decisions.
Web Developer earns more on average — the national median is $4,269/year (4%) higher than a BI Developer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Web Developer vs BI Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Web Developer | BI Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $147,801 | $149,547 | Web $1,746 |
| New York, NY | $122,892 | $119,905 | Web +$2,987 |
| Seattle, WA | $148,827 | $144,935 | Web +$3,892 |
| Austin, TX | $113,006 | $109,654 | Web +$3,352 |
| Chicago, IL | $113,802 | $103,999 | Web +$9,803 |
| Boston, MA | $134,947 | $133,426 | Web +$1,521 |
| London, UK | £80,939 | £77,839 | Web +$3,100 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$138,013 | CA$132,034 | Web +$5,979 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Web Developer or BI Developer earn more?+
A Web Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Web Developer is $104,000/year, compared to $99,731/year for a BI Developer — a difference of $4,269 (4%).
Which has better career growth — Web Developer or BI Developer?+
Web Developer roles are growing at 16% YoY while BI Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. BI Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Web Developer 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 — Web Developer or BI Developer?+
BI Developer has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.