⭐ Bright Outlook

Business Intelligence Analysts

O*NET 15-2051.01 · SOC 15-2051

Business Intelligence Analyst is a strong career choice. Median pay is $120k a year with +34.6% projected growth through 2035 (much faster than average) and about 24,800 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+34.6%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$120k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
25k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Analyze business data to identify trends and opportunities
  • →Design and maintain dashboards and reporting systems
  • →Query databases using SQL to extract business insights
  • →Present findings and recommendations to business stakeholders
  • →Collaborate with teams to define key performance indicators

Education & How to Get In

🎯
Job Zone 4
Considerable preparation needed (bachelor's degree)

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Business Intelligence Analyst roles. Related majors and internship experience during college significantly improve your chances. Many employers also value relevant certifications or project portfolios alongside the degree.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as a Business Intelligence Analyst? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

Coursera
University-backed courses and certificates
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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Structured, offices, data centers, or remote

Work Style

Independent, focused deep work with periodic team check-ins

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Business Intelligence Analyst involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningAnalyze business data to identify trends and opportunities
MiddayDesign and maintain dashboards and reporting systems
AfternoonQuery databases using SQL to extract business insights

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Conventional (Organizers)5.8
Investigative (Thinkers)5.4
Enterprising (Persuaders)4.4
Artistic (Creators)1.9
Social (Helpers)1.9
Realistic (Doers)1.2

Who Thrives as Business Intelligence Analyst?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ENTJThe CommanderINTJThe StrategistISTJThe InspectorESTJThe Executive

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Business Intelligence Analyst Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

Indeed ↗LinkedIn Jobs ↗ZipRecruiter ↗

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Job Outlook

Employment of Business Intelligence Analysts is projected to grow 34.6% from 2025 to 2035, much faster than average for all occupations. The BLS flags this as a Bright Outlook occupation.

Will AI Replace This Job?

36/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
  • ·Strong projected growth suggests AI-complementary demand

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does a Business Intelligence Analyst make?

The median Business Intelligence Analyst earns $120k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Business Intelligence Analyst jobs?

Our model puts Business Intelligence Analyst at 36 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 46% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 29% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.

Is Business Intelligence Analyst a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 34.6% between 2025 and 2035, which is much faster than average. That works out to roughly 24,800 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be a Business Intelligence Analyst?

A bachelor's degree is the standard entry point for Business Intelligence Analyst roles, and relevant internships matter as much as the subject.

How long does it take to become a Business Intelligence Analyst?

Typically about four years, typically a bachelor's degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 4 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is a Business Intelligence Analyst career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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