Key takeaways

  • Business intelligence (BI) encompasses a broad spectrum of activities focused on data gathering, storage, and analysis, with a rising demand for BI roles due to the emphasis on Big Data.
  • The projected growth rate for business intelligence analyst jobs is 21% by 2028, with BI-centric salaries witnessing a 10% increase in the last five years.
  • Now is an opportune time to pursue a career in business intelligence, with roles ranging from data analyst and business analyst to data scientist and BI solutions architect.

Business intelligence (BI) is a catch-all term that refers to activities related to gathering, storing, and analyzing data. Many jobs fall under the umbrella of BI, and given the focus on big data right now, most of them are highly in demand.

Also read: Business Intelligence vs. Data Analytics

According to a report by Zippia, the projected business intelligence analyst job growth rate is 21% from 2018-2028. BI-centric salaries have increased by 10% over the last five years, and that number is slated to continue climbing. Given the increasing demand for data-driven decision-making coupled with the almost limitless tools at our disposal, now is the ideal time to consider a career in the BI field.

Here are seven business intelligence jobs to consider:

  • Data Analyst
  • Business Analyst
  • Data Scientist
  • Data Engineer
  • BI Solutions Architect
  • BI Developer
  • Data Visualization Specialist

Data Analyst

Salary

$60,000-$100,000

Technical skills:

  • Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Microsoft Power BI, Tableau)
  • Expertise in SQL for data retrieval and analysis
  • Understanding of data warehousing and ETL processes
  • Capabilities in data modeling

Analytical abilities:

  • Statistical analysis for deriving insights
  • Problem-solving to address business challenges
  • Attention to detail for data accuracy

A BI data analyst is responsible for transforming raw data into meaningful insights. Their primary roles include collecting and interpreting data from various sources, designing and implementing data models, and creating visualizations to represent findings. 

They utilize tools like SQL for data retrieval and platforms such as Microsoft Power BI or Tableau for analysis.

BI data analysts collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business objectives, ensure data accuracy, and provide recommendations based on their analyses.

Business Analyst

Salary

$50,000-$100,000

Technical skills:

  • Proficiency in business intelligence software (e.g., Qlik Sense, Looker)
  • Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark)
  • Knowledge of database management systems (e.g., Oracle, MySQL)
  • Experience with programming languages (e.g., Python) for data manipulation

Analytical abilities:

  • Forecasting skills to predict future trends and patterns
  • Critical thinking to evaluate and interpret data findings
  • Collaboration skills to work with cross-functional teams and stakeholders

The primary responsibilities of a BI business analyst encompass understanding business needs and translating them into data-driven solutions.

BI business analysts are tasked with gathering requirements from stakeholders, defining key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensuring that BI tools meet the organization’s goals.

Leveraging platforms like Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, or QlikView, they design dashboards and reports that present actionable insights. Business analysts also work closely with data engineers and IT teams to integrate various data sources, ensuring seamless data flow.

Data Scientist

Salary

$114,000-$184,000

Technical skills:

  • Proficiency in tools like R, Python, and SAS for complex data analysis
  • Expertise in SQL and other querying languages to retrieve and manipulate data
  • Familiarity with business intelligence tools such as Tableau, Microsoft Power BI, and QlikView for data visualization and reporting
  • Experience with platforms like Hadoop, Spark, and Hive
  • Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and their applications
  • Ability to apply statistical tests and methods to analyze large datasets

Analytical abilities:

  • Skills in building models that can predict future trends based on historical data
  • Ability to sift through large datasets to identify patterns, correlations, and anomalies
  • Aptitude for addressing complex business challenges using data-driven techniques
  • Ensuring accuracy and reliability in data analysis and reporting

Data scientists are responsible for designing and implementing complex analytical projects that delve deep into large datasets, extracting meaningful insights that can influence business strategies. 

This involves using advanced analytical tools, such as R and Python, to conduct statistical analyses, predictive modeling, and machine learning tasks. Their expertise in SQL allows them to query databases efficiently, ensuring data used is relevant and accurate.

Beyond the technical aspects, BI data scientists work closely with various business units, understanding their needs and translating complex data findings into actionable recommendations.

They are tasked with visualizing these insights using BI tools like Tableau or Power BI, making it accessible for non-technical stakeholders. Another core aspect of the job is to continuously monitor and refine analytical models to ensure they remain relevant and effective. Their role is not just about analyzing data but also about bridging the gap between data and actionable business strategies.

Data Engineer

Salary

$67,000-$135,000

Technical skills:

Analytical abilities:

  • Skills in integrating data from various sources to create a unified, accessible, and usable data environment.
  • Ability to optimize queries and improve the performance of database operations.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to address data-related challenges.
  • Ensuring the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data processed and stored.

The responsibilities of BI data engineers revolve around designing, constructing, installing, and maintaining large-scale processing systems and other infrastructure. 

Data engineers set up and manage data pipelines to collect, process, and distribute data from diverse sources. They work closely with data architects to design and implement robust and scalable database systems. Expertise is also essential in integrating different data sources, ensuring data quality, and optimizing database performance through various ETL processes.

Data engineers collaborate with data scientists and analysts to understand their data needs and ensure that the data infrastructure supports complex analytical tasks.

They are tasked with ensuring data security, backup, and recovery processes are in place. Continuous monitoring of system performance, making necessary adjustments, and recommending upgrades to improve system efficiency are also part of their role. As the backbone of the business intelligence unit, they play a crucial role in ensuring the organization can leverage data effectively for decision-making and strategic initiatives.

BI Solutions Architect

Salary

$83,000-$149,000

Skills:

  • Familiarity with BI technologies such as Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, QlikView, and others
  • Proficiency in SQL and understanding of relational and dimensional data modeling
  • Knowledge of data warehousing concepts, ETL processes, and tools like Informatica, Talend, etc.
  • Familiarity with big data platforms like Hadoop, Spark, and related technologies
  • Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, especially their BI-related services
  • Ability to analyze complex data sets and convert them into actionable insights
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve BI-related issues

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field. Some positions might require a master’s degree or MBA.
  • Certifications in specific BI tools or platforms can be advantageous. 
  • Several years of experience in BI, data warehousing, and related areas. The exact number of years can vary based on the organization and the complexity of the role.

The BI solutions architect has a strategic role that deals heavily with data management and analytics, bridging the gap between technical execution and business vision.

They are responsible for designing, developing, and deploying the overarching architecture of BI platforms. This involves understanding the business needs, translating them into technical requirements, and ensuring that the BI solutions are aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. They work closely with stakeholders, data engineers, and analysts to design data models, select appropriate BI tools, and integrate various data sources to provide a holistic view of the organization’s data.

In addition to the technical aspects, BI solutions architects play a consultative role.

They advise on best practices, ensuring data accuracy, security, and compliance, while also leading the evaluation and selection of BI tools and technologies. 

Collaborating with cross-functional teams, they ensure that the BI infrastructure is scalable, reliable, and efficient, optimizing performance.

BI Developer

Salary

$70,000-$121,000

Technical skills:

  • Proficiency in SQL is essential for querying databases, creating views, and managing data
  • Understanding of data warehousing concepts such as ETL processes, OLAP (Online Analytical Processing), and star/snowflake schema design
  • Familiarity with popular BI tools
  • Knowledge of programming languages can be beneficial, especially for advanced analytics
  • Experience with relational databases like SQL Server, Oracle, MySQL, and others
  • Familiarity with big data platforms

Educational qualifications: 

While a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is often required, many employers also value advanced degrees or certifications in BI-related areas.

BI developers spend their days designing, developing, and maintaining BI solutions that cater to the specific needs of the business. They manage BI and analytics solutions that turn data into knowledge. Working closely with the IT team to ensure seamless integration of new data systems, they use tools like SQL, Tableau, and Power BI to extract, transform, and load data, and then present it in easily digestible formats.

Along with the aforementioned technical tasks, BI developers collaborate with business units and data analysts to understand the company’s operations and tailor their solutions to address specific challenges.

They are tasked with ensuring data accuracy, optimizing performance, and providing end-users with insights through interactive dashboards and reports. Continuous monitoring, troubleshooting, and fine-tuning of BI tools, systems, and databases are also part of their daily activities.

Data Visualization Specialist

Salary

$85,000-$133,000

Skills:

  • Familiarity with BI tools
  • Ability to analyze and extract insights from large datasets
  • Understanding of data warehousing concepts, ETL processes, and data modeling techniques
  • Proficiency in SQL for querying databases
  • Ability to design visually appealing and intuitive dashboards and reports
  • Ensuring accuracy and precision in visualizations
  • Ability to communicate complex data findings in a simple manner to non-technical stakeholders
  • Ability to address and resolve data-related issues
  • Ability to work with cross-functional teams, including data engineers, analysts, and business stakeholders

Qualifications:

Educational background: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Business Analytics, or a related field. Some positions might require a master’s degree.

Experience: Previous experience in BI, data analysis, or a related field. Familiarity with specific BI tools used by the hiring organization can be a plus.Certifications: Certifications in specific BI tools like Tableau Desktop Certified Professional or Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate are helpful.

Data visualization specialists harness the power of BI tools to create dashboards, charts, graphs, and other visual reports that enable stakeholders to make informed decisions. By understanding the business’s needs and objectives, they ensure visualizations provide clarity and address key questions, making data accessible to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Beyond creating visualizations, data visualization specialists collaborate closely with data analysts, engineers, and business stakeholders to understand and refine requirements.

They are responsible for ensuring data accuracy, optimizing performance of visual reports, and continuously iterating based on feedback. A key component of the job is staying updated with the latest trends and best practices in data visualization.

Other BI jobs

BI Consultant: $70,000 to $130,000

BI consultants advise businesses on strategies and best practices for collecting, analyzing, and visualizing data to improve decision-making processes.

BI Project Manager: $90,000 to $150,000

BI project managers oversee the implementation of BI projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within scope, and meet business objectives.

BI Systems Administrator: $70,000 to $120,000 

BI systems administrators manage and maintain the infrastructure of BI tools, ensuring optimal performance, security, and accessibility for users.

The future of BI careers

The emphasis on data-driven decision-making has led to a surge in demand for BI roles, with salaries reflecting the high value placed on these positions. From data analysts to BI consultants, each role plays a pivotal part in harnessing the power of data to drive business strategies and outcomes. 

As organizations continue to invest in BI tools and technologies, the opportunities in this field are bound to expand. For those considering a career in BI, the future looks promising, with a plethora of roles to choose from and competitive compensation packages on offer. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, there’s no better time to dive into the world of business intelligence.

Looking for the latest in Business Intelligence solutions? Check out our Business Intelligence Software Buyer’s Guide.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Business intelligence (BI) refers to technologies, applications, and practices for collecting, integrating, analyzing, and presenting business data to support decision-making.

BI jobs are in demand due to the increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making in businesses, the need for insights from vast amounts of data, and the growth of digital transformation across industries.

Aron Vaughan Avatar
Aron Vaughan
Staff Writer
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Aron Vaughan is a TechnologyAdvice Staff Writer focused on coverage and research in the fields of Business Intelligence, Sales, and IT software categories. During his career, he has covered a wide array of cutting-edge tech topics from Artificial Intelligence to Sustainable Energy, Augmented Reality, and more. With a background in journalism, he is dedicated to crafting articles that inform readers and deliver the best possible answers for data-driven decision making.