BI developers build and maintain business intelligence systems, creating databases, data models, and reporting tools. You work with teams to ensure data is accessible and actionable, helping companies drive performance improvements.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
BI Developers in the IT & Development field handle essential tasks and contribute significantly to achieving team and organizational goals. Here are some of their primary responsibilities:
- Design, build, and deploy BI solutions (e.g., reporting tools, data models).
- Maintain and support data analytics platforms (e.g., MicroStrategy, Power BI).
- Create tools to store data effectively within the organization.
- Conduct unit testing and troubleshooting of analytical and reporting tools.
- Evaluate and improve existing BI systems.
- Collaborate with teams to integrate systems and create effective data warehouses.
- Develop and execute database queries and conduct analyses.
- Create visualizations and reports for requested projects.
- Develop and update technical documentation for data models and business intelligence systems.
Need qualified BI Developers?
Post your jobs for free on Cityjobs and reach creative specialists worldwide. Hire faster today.
How to Become a BI Developer
Launching a career as a BI Developer requires a specific education. We outline the essential qualifications, skills, and steps to enter this field.
Qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or relevant field; master’s degree in data science or related field is a plus.
- Proven experience as a BI Developer or Data Scientist.
- Background in data warehouse design (e.g., dimensional modeling) and SQL databases.
- In-depth understanding of database management systems, online analytical processing (OLAP) and ETL (Extract, transform, load) framework.
- Familiarity with BI technologies (e.g., Microsoft Power BI, Oracle BI).
- Knowledge of SQL queries, SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).
Requirements & Skills
- Strong analytical skills and ability to handle complex, large scale data sets.
- Expertise in translating business requirements into non-technical, lay terms.
- High-level experience in methodologies and processes for managing large scale databases.
- Demonstrated ability to build concise and performance-optimized SQL queries.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
BI Developer Salary Guide
Wondering what BI Developers earn? Explore salary ranges by experience, and career tips to maximize your earning potential.
| Job | Branch | Avg. US Salary |
|---|---|---|
| BI Developer | IT & Development | 108,000 USD |
The average salary for a BI Developer in the U.S. is approximately $108,000 per year and can vary from entry-level to senior positions. BI Developers may receive a wide range of benefits.
BI Developer Salary Career Steps
| Level | Experience | Avg. Salary per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Veteran | 20+ years | $135,000 |
| Senior | 11+ years | $118,800 |
| Experienced | 6-10 years | $108,000 |
| Mid Level | 3-5 years | $97,200 |
| Entry Level | 0-2 years | $81,000 |
How much can you earn as a BI Developer?
Explore verified salary insights and compensation trends across different countries.
How to Advance Your Career
BI Developers can advance to senior roles such as BI Architect, Data Architect, or Analytics Manager. With further experience, they may lead entire data departments or move into strategic roles such as Chief Data Officer. Continued education and specialization can also lead to opportunities in data science and advanced analytics.
Typical Work Environment
BI Developers usually work in office settings, typically within an organization’s IT department. They may collaborate extensively with other IT professionals and business units to align technology with business strategy. Their role often requires hours beyond the standard workweek, particularly during critical project phases or system upgrades.
Content Verification Note
This profile for a BI Developer is compiled using a hybrid approach: Core data is sourced from the BLS and Payscale, synthesized via AI for structure, and manually verified by our editorial team for accuracy.
Latest Career & Market Intelligence
Expert advice and international market trends to help you navigate the future of work.
India Tech Jobs 2026: The GCC Hiring Boom Guide
GCCs are hiring 4x faster than IT services in India. Discover the top tech jobs for 2026, salary comparisons, and why skills now beat degrees.
Read Article
These Five Tech Jobs do not require a Degree
Companies are urgently hiring for these 5 tech roles that don't require degrees necessarily. See which certifications can get you hired fast in growing fields like cybersecurity and cloud computing.
Read Article
How can I work online and get paid?
Discover in our guide how to work online and get paid — no experience needed! Discover legit remote jobs, essential skills, and step-by-step tips to start earning from home today. Avoid scams & find your perfect online gig.
Read Article