A Business Intelligence Developer designs and develops strategies and solutions for processes that are relevant to a company’s business. They develop and maintain business intelligence tools and interfaces and create and present data request queries with the help of visualisation and reports.
What is Business Intelligence?
In today’s world, companies face challenges that require swift action. This is where Business Intelligence (BI) comes in, with the goal of supporting decision-making in companies. Business Intelligence is a technology-driven process for analyzing data and presenting actionable information that helps executives, managers and other end users make informed business decisions.
Business Intelligence encompasses a variety of tools, applications, and methods that enable companies to collect data from internal systems and external sources and then prepare that data for analysis.
It also involves developing and executing queries, creating reports, dashboards and data visualizations to both analyze the results of the analysis and to make it accessible to decision-makers in companies as well as to operational employees.
In order to cope with the ever increasing amounts of data, IT-supported business intelligence systems have become established in companies in recent years.
The potential benefits of business intelligence tools include accelerating and improving decision-making processes, optimizing internal business processes, increasing operational efficiency, increasing new sales, and gaining competitive advantages over competitors.
Business Intelligence systems can also help companies identify market trends and identify business problems that need to be resolved.
Tasks and responsibilities of a Business Intelligence Developer
A business intelligence developer’s main role is to design, develop and maintain business intelligence solutions and strategies that suitably address the company’s business. This includes data collection and hypotheses. They use the results of their research to create guidelines that are conducive to corporate success.
They act as a supervisor and coordinates the development efforts within the project team with the help of target-actual analyzes or other measuring instruments and controlling tools.
They present information through reports and visualizations and develop and update technical documentation when required to do so. They are also in charge of maintaining and supporting data analysis platforms and are expected to perform unit tests and troubleshooting.
Business intelligence developers also evaluate and improve any existing systems and are required to work with teams to integrate systems.
What are the tasks of a business intelligence developer?
- Design, develop and maintain business intelligence solutions and strategies
- Collection of data and hypotheses
- Use results of research to create guidelines that are conducive to corporate success
- Coordinate the development efforts within the project team with the help of target-actual analyzes or other measuring instruments
- Present information through reports and visualizations
- Develop and update technical documentation
- Maintain and support data analysis platforms
- Perform unit tests and troubleshooting
- Evaluate and improve any existing business intelligence systems
- Work with teams to integrate systems
Are you looking for a Business Intelligence Developer?
Find the right freelancer here
Skills of a Business Intelligence Developer
The most crucial skill for a developer to have is experience with business intelligence tools and technologies. They must also have in-depth knowledge of IT especially in the area of big data, as well as understanding of online analytical processing (OLAP).
Since business intelligence systems mostly deal with databases and data models, knowledge of data management systems is important. While a background in data analysis is not strictly required, it is highly desirable by employers.
Analytical skills and expertise in the field of data processing is required as is knowledge of SSRS, SSAS, SSIS and ETL (Extract, transform, load). Basic coding skills and knowledge of programming languages such as C# and JavaScript is also highly desired in a developer.
Due to the high project load and the responsibility of the business intelligence developer, soft skills such as good teamwork, communication skills and assertiveness are of great importance.
What are the skills of a business intelligence developer?
- Experience with business intelligence tools and technologies
- In-depth knowledge of IT
- Knowledge of Big Data
- Understanding of Online Analytical Processing
- Knowledge of database management systems and data models
- Background in data analysis
- Strong analytical skills
- Expertise in the field of data processing
- Knowledge of SSRS, SSAS, SSIS and ETL
- Basic coding skills
- Knowledge of programming languages such as C# and Javascript
- Ability to work well in a team
- Strong communication skills
- Assertiveness
Join our IT freelancer community today! Create your freelance profile in just 2 minutes.
Background
In most cases, Business Intelligence Developers have a Bachelor’ degree. These can be in Computer Science, Business Informatics, Economics, Engineering or any other related field. While a Master’s degree is not a must, many employers consider it desirable.
Specialization mainly takes place according to sectors, for example in finance, the automotive industry or in software development.
Salary
The salary of a Business Intelligence Developer can vary depending on a number of factors such as the industry they work in, the role they occupy, the skills and expertise they have etc.
The starting salary for a junior developer is around $56,000 per year. The average salary is about $80,000 whereas developers in more senior positions can reach up to $111,000 per year.
In Germany, the salary range is between €35k – €70k per year while in the UK, the range is between £25k – £50k.
How much do Business Intelligence Developers make?
| Starting salary | $56,000 |
| Average salary | $80,000 |
| Senior salary | $111,000 |
How much does a freelance Business Intelligence Developer make?
| Average rate Business Intelligence Developers (2022) | $91/hr |
On average, freelance Business Intelligence Developers charge $91/hour (freelancermap’s price and rate index in September 2022).
Freelance rates in Business Intelligence Development range between $62 and $111 for the majority of freelancers.
Considering a freelance rate of $91/hour, a freelancer would charge $728/day for an 8-hour working day.
Looking for a job as a Business Intelligence Developer?
Find IT jobs
Network with other business intelligence developers and business intelligence analysts to learn more about the role and what you need to succeed. Developing relationships with other professionals in this field also allows you to gain valuable references should you need them when you re applying for jobs. You can connect with professionals at your current company or attend networking events to expand your network. While connecting with others, consider searching for a mentor. The right mentor can offer valuable advice to help you advance your career and grow as a professional. Try to find a mentor within your industry to develop a strong, long-lasting relationship.