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What is a business intelligence architect and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
Quoted expert
Ralf Wilhelms MIBA, DBA

A business intelligence architect (BI architect) is a top-level business intelligence analyst who deals with specific aspects of business intelligence. This discipline uses data in certain ways and builds specific architectures to benefit a business or organization. The business intelligence architect is generally the one responsible for creating or working with these architectures, which serve the particular purpose of maximizing the potential of data assets.

They may require a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related technical field. Regardless, some employers may prefer a master's degree. Additionally, applicants may also need several years of practical work and experience with an established database platform.

In 2020, a payscale report showed that BI architects could make an annual median salary of $111,742. The BLS reported that job growth from 2019 to 2029 was 6 percent for the category of "computer occupations, all other," which includes business intelligence analysts (architects).

What general advice would you give to a business intelligence architect?

Ralf Wilhelms MIBA, DBA

Professor Strategic Management and International Business, Lake Superior State University

To enhance your career trajectory and salary potential in International Business, adopting a strategic approach is key. Start by augmenting your academic credentials beyond a bachelor's degree. Specializations such as International Marketing, Global Supply Chain Management, or International Finance not only differentiate you in a competitive landscape but also solidify your argument for higher earnings. Skill development in areas critical to international business-namely digital literacy, data analytics, proficiency in foreign languages, and cross-cultural communication-cannot be overstated. Mastery in these domains increases your appeal to employers and strengthens your position in salary negotiations. Networking plays a pivotal role in carving out a successful career in international business. Engage actively with professionals via social media, professional groups, and industry events. These interactions can lead to meaningful connections that often pave the way to opportunities featuring enhanced compensation. Delving into specialized, high-demand niches within international business, like international trade compliance, global supply chain management, and international finance, presents avenues for increased earnings. The intricate knowledge and expertise required in these sectors make individuals with such skills exceedingly valuable. Furthermore, keeping abreast of the latest in global economic trends, emerging markets, and industry movements is indispensable. Being well-informed positions you to identify and seize career opportunities poised for growth and higher financial gain, setting a solid foundation for a prosperous career in international business.
ScoreBusiness Intelligence ArchitectUS Average
Salary
8.0

Avg. Salary $115,720

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
5.0

Growth rate 21%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
4.1
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.51%

Asian 11.99%

Black or African American 6.24%

Hispanic or Latino 8.82%

Unknown 4.70%

White 67.73%

Gender

female 17.26%

male 82.74%

Age - 43
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 43
Stress level
5.0

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
8.2

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance
4.3

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Business intelligence architect career paths

Key steps to become a business intelligence architect

  1. Explore business intelligence architect education requirements

    Most common business intelligence architect degrees

    Bachelor's

    69.1 %

    Master's

    24.3 %

    Associate

    3.6 %
  2. Start to develop specific business intelligence architect skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Analytics11.51%
    Power Bi9.20%
    Dashboards5.40%
    Visualization5.39%
    ETL4.98%
  3. Complete relevant business intelligence architect training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New business intelligence architects learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a business intelligence architect based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real business intelligence architect resumes.
  4. Research business intelligence architect duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and execute various BO reporting projects within organization.
    • Train report developers to leverage OLAP data source for the development of SSRS reports.
    • Develop front-end, metadata and ETL specification to support business requirements for reporting across the organization.
    • Design and implement a unique metadata driven ETL solution for aggregate facts using partition switching and parallel processing.
  5. Get business intelligence architect experience

    Generally, it takes 2-4 years to become a business intelligence architect. The most common roles before becoming a business intelligence architect include senior software engineer, data warehouse architect team lead and consultant.
  6. Prepare your business intelligence architect resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your business intelligence architect resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a business intelligence architect resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable business intelligence architect resume templates

    Build a professional business intelligence architect resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your business intelligence architect resume.
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    Business Intelligence Architect Resume
  7. Apply for business intelligence architect jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a business intelligence architect job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first business intelligence architect job

Zippi

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Average business intelligence architect salary

The average business intelligence architect salary in the United States is $115,720 per year or $56 per hour. Business intelligence architect salaries range between $87,000 and $152,000 per year.

Average business intelligence architect salary
$115,720 Yearly
$55.63 hourly

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Business intelligence architect reviews

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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2020
Pros

The challenges and opportunities offered by the role where I get to learn & apply new skills.

Cons

Mostly a sitting job with no opportunity to travel and interact with the business.


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A zippia user wrote a review on Oct 2019
Cons

Less technical, but with some traveling sometimes


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A zippia user wrote a review on Jul 2019
Cons

redesigning due to lack of understanding the requirements


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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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