Everything a company does—every person it interacts with, every product it creates and sells, every service it promotes—creates and contains valuable data that can drive key business decisions. Business intelligence (BI) analysts use modern business intelligence tools and skills to capture, organize, and analyze this data so organizations can make better data-driven decisions.
Let’s use a restaurant as a simple example. The restaurant can keep track of information like how many customers sit down to eat versus those who order take-out and adjust their staffing to accommodate variable needs. They can monitor kitchen stock and accurately predict future inventory orders based on order variations throughout the week. All of this data already exists—the restaurant just needs to be able to capture it and use it effectively.
Business intelligence analyst job outlook
Business intelligence (BI) analysts take the raw information produced through company activities and apply data science principles to sort through it to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. What’s more, their specialized skills are in demand; employment of management analysts is projected to grow by 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That is much faster than the average for all occupations.
The median annual wage for management analysts was $101,190 in May 2024, with median wages by industry:
- Professional, scientific, and technical services: $107,790
- Management of companies and enterprises: $101,560
- Finance and insurance: $98,710
- Government: $94,080
If you are naturally curious, tech-savvy, and enjoy problem-solving, becoming a business intelligence analyst can be a great career option. In this article, we’ll cover BI basics, including the current job demand and salary for business intelligence analysts, and the steps you should take to become one.
What is a business intelligence analyst?
A business intelligence analyst is responsible for sorting through vast amounts of data generated by business activities and identifying areas for improvement. They rely on a combination of analytical and technical skills to perform their work, which may include:
- Preparing reports using modern platforms like Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and Looker.
- Leveraging AI-enhanced BI platforms with natural language query features (e.g., Copilot in Power BI, Tableau Pulse, ThoughtSpot Sage).
- Analyzing customer or market data with tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, and Sprout Social.
- Creating and managing cloud data warehouses and data pipelines using SQL, Snowflake, BigQuery, Databricks, Fabric Warehouse, and dbt for data modeling.
- Building a semantic metrics layer to ensure teams use consistent KPIs across the organization.
Clear communication is among the most important business intelligence analyst skills. Not everyone in a business understands analytics terminology, so a BI analyst must be able to translate complex findings into language that non-technical stakeholders can understand. Time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking are equally essential.
Curious about the industries that are hiring business intelligence analysts? Top employers of BI analysts include professional, scientific, and technical services; government; finance and insurance; and large corporations.
Why become a business intelligence analyst?
Business intelligence analysts aren’t just in demand across industries; according to the BLS, the median annual wage for management analysts was $101,190 in 2024. Analysts in professional, scientific, and technical services reported average earnings of $107,790, while those in government-related roles earned an average of $94,080 in the same year.
Business intelligence analyst job titles
As you become familiar with the BI analyst landscape, you may see a variety of terms and titles used in job listings. Here are some of the job titles associated with business intelligence analysis, and a brief description of their responsibilities:
- Business analyst: Evaluates and analyzes systems requirements, delivers status reports, and troubleshoots problems related to system optimization.
- Business operations specialist: Monitors and reports on business performance, and recommends improvements when appropriate.
- Sales manager: Reviews and analyzes sales records, using data to project sales and profitability, and identify new markets.
- Operations analyst: Reviews company data and builds reports that include recommendations for improving business outcomes.
- Associate data analyst: Collects and analyzes data to uncover trends and patterns, assists in creating and maintaining databases, and conducts market research.
- Finance analyst: Evaluates current and historical financial data, studies economic and industry trends, and identifies opportunities to generate profit.
- Data scientist: Applies mathematical, problem-solving, and coding skills to manage big data and extract valuable insights.
If you already have some data analytics or data science experience, you may be interested in more advanced roles you can pursue with BI analyst skills, such as working with big data. As you progress through your career, you may set your sights on becoming the Director of BI, a Chief Data Officer (CDO), or an Executive Consultant.
Importance of business intelligence analysts
Every business generates data, but not every business captures and uses it. BI analysts know how to identify relevant data, evaluate its quality, and translate it into actionable insights.
Think back to the restaurant example we used earlier. Imagine that the restaurant owner wants to increase revenue during slow hours. They might work with a BI analyst to analyze customer traffic, ordering patterns, and costs. Insights from this analysis might reveal that focusing on catering and delivery, rather than in-store promotions, would generate a greater return.
Become a business intelligence analyst in 4 steps
Ready to start exploring the potential of business intelligence? With the right education, skills, and experience, you can stand out from the crowd when it’s time to apply for jobs. Whether you’re starting from square one or taking the next step on your path toward business intelligence, we’ve put together a roadmap to help you on your journey to becoming a certified business intelligence professional.
Step 1: Develop business intelligence analyst skills
Your starting point toward becoming a business intelligence analyst will depend on your current experience and professional background. Entry-level candidates often earn a bachelor’s degree in business, computer science, or data analytics, while mid-career professionals may pursue a certificate or master’s degree.
Key technical skills include:
- SQL and Python
- Data modeling (star/snowflake schemas, semantic layers)
- Cloud data warehouses (Snowflake, BigQuery, Fabric, Redshift, Databricks)
- Data integration and orchestration (dbt, Airflow, Fivetran)
- BI tools (Power BI/Fabric, Tableau, Looker, ThoughtSpot)
- AI literacy (prompt design, evaluating AI outputs, and embedding AI into workflows)
Earning a certificate related to business intelligence activities and tools can further set you apart when applying for jobs. Some of the more popular certifications available include:
- Tableau Desktop Specialist: This certification validates core knowledge and skills related to Tableau Desktop. There are no prerequisites for this exam.
- Google Business Intelligence Professional Certificate: This certification demonstrates possession of the necessary skills for a business intelligence career. There are no prerequisites for this exam.
- Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: This certification indicates strong proficiency across the technical skills and BI tools used for business analysis. Applicants must complete prerequisite training to qualify for this exam.
- Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®): This certification recognizes leading, senior members of the business analyst community with extensive experience. Applicants must have at least 10 years of relevant work experience to qualify for this exam.
- PMI Professional in Business Analysis (PMI-PBA): This certification highlights in-demand business analysis skills. Applicants must meet educational, experience, and training requirements to qualify for this exam.
Our Business Analytics Certificate Course is a promising option for learners interested in becoming Tableau Desktop Specialist certified. The 10-week program covers important knowledge and skills relevant to a wide range of roles, and prepares you to take the Tableau certification exam prior to completion.
In addition to earning the proper education and certifications to align with your business intelligence career goals, it’s just as important to incorporate continuous learning into your long-term plan. This will ensure that you are:
- More adaptable to the changes that eventually occur in every industry
- Able to take on more challenging projects and advance in your career
- Seen as a valuable member of your organization by employers
- Able to think critically, solve problems creatively, and propose innovative solutions
- On top of industry trends and focused on continually expanding your skill set
- Prepared for the jobs of the future with the skills needed to thrive during change
Staying competitive as a certified business intelligence professional can also increase your earning potential. Learners who achieve long-term goals may be able to command a higher business intelligence analyst salary than those who do not invest in ongoing education.
Step 2: Gain relevant experience
After you have obtained a business intelligence analytics degree or certificate — or both — you can focus on securing opportunities to gain real-world experience. Depending on your background, you may seek out internships with businesses you hope to work for, join a co-op program that allows you to learn while working, or apply for an entry-level analytics role.
One of the best ways to showcase your abilities is through a portfolio of your work. During the educational phase of your journey, you will likely work on assignments and projects that you can feature in your portfolio. Make sure that your portfolio is tailored to the jobs you’re interested in. For example, individuals seeking out analyst roles may showcase their comfort level conducting data analysis and using data mining skills on complex data, while those pursuing project management roles might present their work as a case study to explain their thought process.
Networking is another important step toward becoming a BI analyst. As you research your educational options, you may find that some programs offer networking and similar opportunities to learners. Consider asking for mentorship from someone you trust and whose career path you want to emulate. These relationships can open up doors to employment and help you stay on top of industry trends and advancements.
Step 3: Specialize for your chosen industry
Choosing a specialization when starting or advancing your career in business intelligence analytics can make you more in-demand as a job applicant. Candidates who possess specific skills and deep knowledge in a particular area are often much more marketable to employers. The processes for data collection, analysis, and visualization can vary depending on your chosen industry. Specializing in your chosen industry can give you the competitive advantage you need to pursue a career that interests you and has potential for growth.
As we mentioned earlier in this article, some of the top industries hiring business intelligence analysts and their responsibilities include:
- Professional services: BI analysts working in consulting, accounting, legal services, or marketing work closely with clients to understand their unique challenges and deliver data-driven solutions.
- Sciences: BI analysts working in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, biotechnology, or environmental sciences work with complex datasets to generate insights that drive innovations and improve outcomes.
- Technology: BI analysts working in software, IT services, telecommunications, or hardware work with large volumes of data to enhance business outcomes and promote innovation.
- Government: BI analysts working in government agencies, public health, law enforcement, or government finance work with diverse stakeholders to address complex challenges and improve citizens’ well-being.
- Finance: BI analysts working in banking, investment management, insurance, or financial services work with complex financial datasets to drive business growth, manage risks, and deliver value to clients.
- Insurance: BI analysts working as actuaries, claims analysts, customer analysts, or risk management analysts collaborate with stakeholders to manage risks and improve efficiencies.
- Corporate business: BI analysts working in sales, supply chain management, or human resources work across different functional areas to drive strategic decision-making and organizational performance.
Step 4: Apply for business intelligence analyst jobs
Once you’ve earned the proper credentials and gained practical experience through internships and projects, you’re ready to start applying for business intelligence analyst positions. By this time, you should have a good idea of the types of roles and industries you’re qualified for. Start browsing for jobs that align with your skills and interests, taking note of the specific skills and responsibilities listed for each one. When it’s time to submit your resume and application, make sure to tailor your language to match the job listing to increase your chances of getting noticed by employers.
This is also the time to start leveraging those professional networks and relationships you’ve built throughout your educational and professional journey. Sometimes, an act as simple as sending a clear and thoughtful message through LinkedIn can result in an interview and even being hired.
Learners who enroll in our Business Analytics Certificate Course benefit from a wide range of career advice and support services to help them meet their unique goals. These include:
- Resume and cover letter review and tips: Your career coach will ensure that your resume aligns with the business analyst responsibilities listed for the roles you’re interested in.
- LinkedIn profile optimization: Your career coach will identify ways that your professional presence attracts the right kinds of employers and gets attention on your profile.
- Small group workshops: Your career coach will provide you and your peers with career advice related to becoming a certified business intelligence professional.
- Career coaching: Your career coach will support you during the full job search process, answering any questions you may have along the way.
- Mock interviews and negotiations: Your career coach will help you polish your answers to interview questions and ensure you understand the job outlook for your chosen career path.
With the help of their career coach, learners in our Certificate Course can learn how to navigate the interview and post-interview, maximize their earnings, and transform their career.
Common tools used by BI analysts
BI analysts depend on a variety of technologies to effectively do their jobs:
- Visualization/BI platforms: Power BI (Fabric), Tableau (Pulse), Looker (Gemini), ThoughtSpot
- Cloud data warehouses: Snowflake, BigQuery, Fabric Warehouse, Databricks, Redshift
- Data modeling tools: dbt, Lucidchart, SQL Database Modeler
- Data integration & orchestration: Airflow, Fivetran, Informatica
How AI is transforming business intelligence
Artificial intelligence is embedded in today’s business intelligence platforms, transforming how organizations approach data analytics and business analytics:
- AI copilots in Power BI, Tableau Pulse, and Looker Gemini summarize insights and allow natural language queries.
- Machine learning algorithms enhance forecasting, anomaly detection, and predictive modeling.
- AI-driven data management improves data quality and accelerates data integration across systems.
- BI professionals now curate semantic models, set governance standards, and validate AI outputs to ensure accuracy.
This shift allows business intelligence teams to focus on strategic initiatives rather than manual reporting, enabling faster and more accurate data-driven decisions.
Our Business Analytics Certificate Course
Ready to start your journey toward becoming a BI analyst? The Business Analytics Certificate Course can help you accelerate your career with a foundation in both business and analytics. The curriculum covers in-demand topics, such as:
- Introduction to Business Analytics
- Data Modeling
- Basics of SQL
- Data Visualization Technology and Fundamentals
- Career Planning and Future of Business Analytics
- AI and Machine Learning in Business Analytics
The completely virtual 10-week course allows you to benefit from a flexible schedule while gaining an on-demand education. Throughout the course, you’ll have many opportunities for hands-on practice using BI tools on complex data, and receive expert feedback from industry experts. By course completion, you’ll be prepared to sit for the Tableau Desktop Specialist Certification Exam.
Start or advance your business intelligence analyst career
Whether you’re just getting started on your business intelligence analyst career journey, or you’re a seasoned professional looking to gain in-demand skills for the modern workforce, it’s possible to reach your goals in four simple steps.
Interested in learning more about our Business Analytics Certificate Course? Visit our website or, if you prefer to speak with an advisor, schedule a call to discuss the curriculum and available payment options.
