A business intelligence (BI) developer is a high-value job title in today’s market. BI developer salaries in the UK have held steady so far in 2025, with the median salary reaching £52,500 per year, according to recent market data from TotalJobs.
Read on to learn how to benchmark accurately for a BI developer salary, in order to attract skilled talent.
What is the Average BI Developer Salary in the UK?
The average salary for a business intelligence developer in the UK is £52,500 per year as of May 2025. This figure represents the median salary and is based on recent job market data. The average BI developer salary helps hiring teams set expectations and align offers with the market.
Level | Median Salary |
|---|---|
Junior/Entry-Level | £37,500 |
Mid-Level (Experienced) | £52,500 |
Senior | £92,500 |
Entry-level BI developers typically earn between £32,500 and £46,500 annually. Mid-level average BI developer salaries, with more experience and deeper analytical skills, see pay ranges around the median of £52,500 per year. At the senior level, salaries increase significantly, with median earnings around £92,500.
Level | Median Salary |
Startups | £40,000–£50,000 |
Large Enterprises | £55,000–£65,000 |
Company size heavily influences BI developer salaries. Smaller companies and startups typically pay lower salaries, whereas medium to large enterprises have more resources and often offer higher pay. They aim to attract experienced job seekers capable of handling complex data analytics tasks and driving strategic insights across departments.
Industry | Typical Salary Range |
Finance | £55,000–£70,000 |
Technology | £53,000–£68,000 |
Consulting | £55,000–£75,000 |
Healthcare | £48,000–£60,000 |
Retail | £45,000–£55,000 |
- Finance: BI developers in finance generally receive higher salaries due to industry reliance on real-time analytics, strict regulatory compliance and sophisticated risk management requirements.
- Technology: Tech firms, particularly in London, consistently offer salaries at the upper end of the scale, driven by strong demand for advanced data and analytics capabilities.
- Consulting: BI consultants often achieve among the highest salaries, particularly within large consulting firms or when specialising in highly sought-after analytics platforms like Power BI.
- Healthcare and Retail: Salaries in these sectors are typically lower compared to finance and tech, though steadily rising due to growing investment in analytics solutions.
These figures offer hiring managers a clear benchmark to attract skilled BI developers and remain competitive in a dynamic job market.
Regional Differences in Business Intelligence Developer Salaries
Salaries for BI developers vary considerably by location. This table provides an overview of the most recent salary ranges around the UK.
Region | Median Salary (GBP) |
London | £60,000 |
UK (excluding London) | £45,000 |
Midlands | £45,000 |
North West | £44,250 |
Scotland | £45,000 |
Wales | £54,793 |
Northern Ireland | £37,357 |
London consistently offers the highest BI developer salaries, with typical ranges between £60,000 and £70,000, reflecting its concentration of finance and technology employers and higher living costs.
Outside London, salaries typically cluster around £45,000, particularly in regions such as the Midlands, North and Scotland. Wales notably stands out with a higher median salary, contrasting sharply with lower-paying regions like the Midlands and Northern Ireland.
Remote BI developer roles usually offer salaries around the national average, providing flexibility without significantly altering compensation expectations. However, remote positions with London-based employers may offer higher pay to attract nationwide talent.
Meanwhile, roles based in lower-paying regions often reflect local salary policies. Although remote work reduces some regional pay disparities, clear gaps remain influenced by employer location and industry standards.
What is the Highest UK BI Developer Salary?
The highest salary for a BI developer in the UK typically ranges from £75,000 to over £90,000 annually, with senior or lead positions in major organisations often commanding upwards of £100,000.
A top-level BI developer, especially a Power BI developer, requires extensive experience with:
- Advanced analytics tools
- Data modelling proficiency
- Deep expertise in platforms like Power BI, Azure, or Tableau
- Leadership
- Managing complex data-driven projects
- Strategic thinking
Additionally, high-salary BI developer positions frequently come with attractive perks and benefits such as:
- Substantial performance bonuses
- Private healthcare
- Equity options
- Flexible working arrangements
- Generous pension contributions
What Factors Influence BI Developer Salaries?
Several key factors influence salaries for BI developers. These include:
- Company size and stage of growth: Larger, established companies usually offer higher salaries, whereas early-stage startups might offer lower base pay but equity opportunities.
- Industry specialisation: BI developers working in high-demand sectors such as fintech, healthcare or e-commerce typically earn more due to the complex analytics required.
- Skills and technical expertise: In-demand technical skills, especially proficiency in Power BI development, significantly enhance earning potential, as specialised knowledge is highly valued.
- Membership of a professional body: Active membership with professional bodies, such as the Chartered Institute for IT and the Institute of Analytics, can positively influence salaries by demonstrating credibility and commitment to industry standards.
- Qualifications/certifications: Formal qualifications or certifications, like Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate, can boost salary prospects by validating specialist expertise.
- Knowledge of specific software/tools: Expertise in additional data tools and platforms (e.g., Tableau, SQL, Azure) increases marketability, allowing professionals to command higher salaries.
Understanding these key factors helps hiring managers set competitive salary benchmarks and attract top talent.
How to Determine a Competitive BI Developer Salary
Determining a competitive salary for a BI developer is crucial for attracting top talent without overspending. Consider these practical tips:
- Benchmark Using Reliable Market Data: Use trusted industry sources like Glassdoor, Indeed or salary surveys to find the current market rate for BI developers in your region and industry.
- Balance Salary with Additional Benefits: Consider combining base salaries with bonuses, equity or flexible working conditions to enhance your offer without exceeding budget limits.
- Focus on Skills and Value: Clearly identify essential BI skills (e.g., Power BI expertise or SQL proficiency) and set salaries accordingly to match candidate experience and market value.
- Review and Adjust Regularly: Use insights from previous hires and continuously reassess your salary benchmarks every year to stay competitive and adapt to market shifts.
- Leverage Expert Advice: Partnering with data recruitment specialists like Live Digital can help you with crafting competitive, balanced offers tailored to market standards and your company’s budget.
By following these steps, hiring managers can confidently attract and retain top BI developer talent effectively and sustainably.
FAQs about BI Developer Salaries
Is a BI developer a high-paying job?
Yes, BI developers typically earn competitive salaries due to their specialist skills in data analytics, reporting and technical expertise.
What is the salary of a BI developer with 2 years of experience?
In the UK, a BI developer with around two years of experience typically earns between £32,250 and £42,750 annually, with a mean of £37,500. This figure varies by industry and location.
Are BI developers still in demand?
Absolutely. BI developers remain highly sought-after as companies increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making and analytical insights across industries.
What is the typical career path for a BI developer?
BI developers often advance from analyst roles into senior developer positions, eventually progressing into roles like BI manager, data architect or head of analytics.
Who earns more, a Power BI developer or a BI developer?
Power BI developers can command slightly higher salaries due to their deep expertise in a high-demand analytics tool, but overall compensation depends on broader skill sets and experience levels.
Is it hard to become a BI developer?
Becoming a BI developer requires technical proficiency, analytical thinking and training in tools like Power BI, SQL and data visualisation. Many professionals transition into BI from data or analyst roles after a focused job search and upskilling. It’s challenging but achievable with dedication and structured learning.
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