BI Developer: Facts, Skills, and Next Paths

A BI Developer builds and maintains the systems that turn raw data into reports and dashboards that managers and executives actually use. Day to day, that means writing SQL queries, developing Power BI reports, and partnering with business users to gather requirements and define output. At DCS Corp, for example, developers assess data sources and create dashboards that deliver actionable insights for business decisions.

Core responsibilities include designing database schemas, integrating data from multiple sources, and optimizing report performance. The role sits within a data or analytics team and often works closely with stakeholders to tailor reports for specific purposes — such as auditing and investigative reporting at the Office of Personnel Management (E Logic) or supporting Navy ERP governance (BizFirst). A typical day might involve writing DAX measures in Power BI, configuring data refresh schedules, or troubleshooting a slow-loading dashboard.

The median salary for a BI Developer is about $115,000, and the skills most frequently requested in current job postings are Power BI (90%), Business Intelligence (60%), Data Analysis (50%), Dashboard Building (50%), and SQL (50%).