Aptly
Careers · Computer and mathematical

Business Intelligence Analysts

Business Intelligence Analysts examine data from company databases and systems to identify patterns, trends, and insights that inform financial and strategic decisions. They generate regular reports and develop methods to extract meaningful information from available data sources. These professionals work in corporate offices across finance, retail, technology, healthcare, and other industries that rely on data-driven decision-making.

$120,230median pay, U.S., per year
$85,660–$158,880middle half earn
262Kemployed in the U.S.
Bachelor’s degreetypical education · 95% hold a bachelor’s or higher
HighAI exposure · AI tools can speed up many tasks. Skills in using them will matter, and some roles may change.
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A day in the work

A typical week involves querying databases, running analyses on sales or financial data, and identifying emerging patterns or anomalies. Analysts spend time designing reports that communicate findings to managers and executives, refining data collection methods, and troubleshooting data quality issues. Much of the work involves using analytics software and spreadsheets to track metrics, validate results, and prepare visualizations that support business recommendations.

Who this work suits

Conventional
80Investigative
74Enterprising
57Artistic
16Social
14Realistic
4

Holland code CIE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.

You tend to enjoy detail-oriented work and following established procedures and standards—the conventional interest. You're also naturally curious about how systems work and why data behaves certain ways, reflecting investigative tendencies. You perform well when solving structured problems, organizing complex information, and presenting findings clearly to others.

What it takes

Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold a bachelor’s degree.

Skills that matter most

Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningWritingJudgment and Decision MakingMathematics

Knowledge areas

Computers and ElectronicsMathematics (knowledge)English LanguageAdministration and ManagementCustomer and Personal ServiceEconomics and Accounting

Who is hiring

13open roles like this on employer career sites
11employers hiring
10posted in the last 7 days
CA · VA · Remotewhere most openings are

Openings right now

Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.

Pay by state

State25th pctMedian75th pctEmployed
Washington$105,240$163,350$208,3209,600
California$103,360$141,590$186,82039,310
Maryland$100,370$136,370$169,5103,340
New Jersey$101,970$135,280$167,3306,430
Massachusetts$101,940$131,750$166,1809,420
New York$94,880$130,460$171,58023,970
Minnesota$92,490$128,800$160,9104,020
Vermont$98,450$127,070$143,170200
District of Columbia$105,320$126,490$174,6502,680
Virginia$97,390$126,430$165,6108,920
Connecticut$94,480$126,340$163,2101,760
Oregon$96,770$125,990$163,7102,140
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico

Certifications people in this field hold

Training

Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.

Job titles in this occupation

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Are you suited for this?
Four short assessments and your background, scored against business intelligence analysts and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
Find out in 15 minutes See openings

O*NET-SOC 15-2051.01 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.