The business intelligence and analytics job market is varied and growing. In this article, we will provide an overview of the business intelligence job market, including the skills and experience required for BI roles, salary trends, and the future outlook for BI careers
Interested in the job market for Business Intelligence professionals? Read our article: Is Business Intelligence in Demand?

The Different Types of Business Intelligence Jobs
There are several different types of business intelligence jobs, including data analyst, business analyst, data engineer, and BI developer.
Data analysts are responsible for collecting and analyzing data to identify trends and patterns. Business analysts focus on using data to make informed business decisions. Data engineers are responsible for developing and maintaining data infrastructure. BI developers are responsible for designing and developing BI solutions.
Salary Trends for Business Intelligence Professionals
Salaries for business intelligence professionals vary depending on factors such as job title, experience, and location.
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a data analyst in the United States is $76,000 per year, while the average salary for a BI developer is $91,000 per year. In South Africa, salaries for business intelligence analysts are averaging around ZAR400K per annum.
Future Outlook for Business Intelligence Careers
The future outlook for business intelligence careers is promising. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information research scientists (which includes business intelligence professionals) is projected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.
According to Paul Newman, operating director for Page Group South Africa, technology trends including Cloud Computing, Data Science, and Artificial intelligence are driving the demand for business intelligence and analytics professional in South Africa. He observes that a shortage of STEM (Science, technology, Engineering and Mathematics) skills is the biggest factor inhibiting growth in this space.
Tips for Finding Business Intelligence Jobs
If you're interested in a career in business intelligence, here are some tips for finding job opportunities:
- Build your technical skills: Develop your technical skills by learning programming languages like SQL and Python, and data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI. This will make you a more competitive candidate and help you stand out to potential employers.
- Build your fundamental BI skills
- Network: Networking is important in any field, and business intelligence is no exception. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with other professionals in the field.
- Look for internships: Many companies offer internships in business intelligence, which can be a great way to gain experience and make connections in the field.
- Apply for entry-level positions: Many business intelligence jobs require at least two years of experience, but there are entry-level positions available for those just starting out in the field. Look for jobs with titles like "data analyst" or "business analyst" to get your foot in the door.
- Be willing to relocate: Business intelligence jobs are available in many different locations, so be open to relocating for the right opportunity.
Are you curious about the regional demand for BI skills? We've got you covered. Click here to read more: What is the regional demand for skills?
There are a lot of Factors Affecting Business Intelligence Salary. Read our post to understand how you can increase your earning power.
