Business Intelligence Analyst Job Role Outline
In the dynamic world of business, data plays a crucial role in making informed decisions. One professional who helps organizations navigate this data-driven landscape is the Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst.
A BI Analyst is a valuable asset, gathering and processing raw data at scale, performing complex quantitative analysis, and distilling complex data and relationships into clear, concise charts and visualizations. Their role is pivotal in helping businesses make strategic decisions.
The job description for a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst role requires expertise in SQL queries, proven success in delivering impactful insights and data visualization using Looker and other BI reporting tools, experience with relational databases (Oracle, MySQL), and cloud data platform (Redshift) & other business intelligence tools. Advanced skills in MS Excel, including pivot tables, formulas, and charting, and an understanding of e-commerce or subscription business models are also essential. Bonus skills include knowledge of various Merch planning platforms and experience working with Python, R, and similar tools for data mining.
BI Analysts collaborate with various departments such as Marketing, Product, Engineering, Sales, Menu, Finance to set internal benchmarks and develop critical metrics for new initiatives. They conduct market surveys and compare internal findings against competitors to assess performance in relation to industry and market trends.
In addition to their analytical skills, BI Analysts act as a translator between technical and non-technical stakeholders, designing and developing dashboards and reporting solutions that are easy to understand. They also monitor and dissect performance across digital channels, perform in-depth analysis to identify key business risks and opportunities, and make recommendations to improve overall profitability.
BI Analysts support demand/inventory planning, sales and location forecasts, production planning, and predictive modeling efforts. They design data models to extract data from operational databases and transform the data to easily understood business views. They also identify, analyse, and interpret trends or patterns in complex data sets and report findings to company leadership.
With several years of experience as a business consultant or market research analyst, in addition to a bachelor's degree in a STEM field, marketing, psychology, accounting, or business management, BI Analysts bring a wealth of knowledge to the table.
The average salary for a Business Intelligence Analyst in 2025 in the United States is approximately $100,700 to $115,400 per year, depending on the source and region. Indeed reports an average of about $100,732 annually plus a $7,000 cash bonus, while Salary.com provides a slightly higher average, around $112,897 to $115,435 per year with typical ranges between $99,802 and $127,296. For comparison, in Maryland, the average is higher at $109,132 per year plus bonuses.
In summary, expect an average salary near $100-115K per year for a Business Intelligence Analyst in the U.S. in mid-2025, with regional and experience factors influencing the exact amount.
The role of a BI Analyst is multifaceted, requiring a blend of technical skills, business acumen, and the ability to communicate complex ideas in a simple, actionable manner. With the increasing importance of data in decision-making, the demand for skilled BI Analysts is expected to continue to grow.
The Senior Business Intelligence Analyst role involves proficiency in technology, such as SQL queries, Looker, and other BI reporting tools, as well as skills in data mining using Python, R, and similar tools. [technology, education-and-self-development]
In collaboration with various departments, a BI Analyst's role extends beyond data analysis to include education and self-development, acting as a translator between technical and non-technical stakeholders and providing insights that drive strategic decisions in the business world. [lifestyle]