A Business Intelligence Analyst examines raw data to determine meaningful insights that can benefit businesses. These analysts work closely with front-end users in various functional departments and require a good understanding of workflows and processes.
While the work of a Business Intelligence Analyst revolves around data analysis and creating data structures, they take a business-centric approach in their work profile. Their work can help businesses identify patterns and future trends that can be used to improve performance.
In this article, we will examine the Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa, how it compares with that of a Business Analyst, and the steps professionals can take to improve their salary.
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Business Intelligence Analyst Salary in South Africa
While Business intelligence analysts work with data, they are required to have a keen sense of business operations and be able to understand the finance side of business. This allows them to examine data for trends and provide insights that can be leveraged to increase market share and profits.
Business intelligence analysts are in demand in South Africa as companies increasingly rely on data driver insights to make informed decisions. The Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa reflects the high demand for these skilled professionals.
A Business Intelligence Analyst earns a competitive salary in South Africa. Yet, these numbers tend to vary depending on the industry and the experience of the analyst. These are some factors that can affect the salary of a Business Analyst in South Africa:
- Experience: Executives want reliable data. Therefore, analysts with a proven track record of several years will earn higher salaries.
- Location: Typically, firms in larger cities pay higher wages due to the heightened competition and the higher cost of living.
- Industry: High-risk and high-profit generating industries such as finance, technology and energy pay higher Business Intelligence Analyst salaries in South Africa.Â
Business Intelligence Analyst Salary Per Month in South Africa
The average Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa is R60,000 per month as of December 2024, according to Talent.com. This figure considers the salaries of business analysts across all industries, experience levels, and job locations.
However, students who are considering the career path of a Business Analyst should also evaluate the salary structure based on various factors. This will provide them with a better understanding of the Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa.
The table below lists the salary of a Business Intelligence Analyst in South Africa according to location, based on data collected from Indeed.com. The salary figures are updated as of December 2024.
| Business Intelligence Analyst Job Location | Average Monthly Salary |
| Johannesburg | R31,444 |
| Durban | R43,468 |
| Pretoria | R37,279 |
| Port Elizabeth | R31,878 |
Business Intelligence Analyst Entry-Level Salary in South Africa
A Business Intelligence Analyst usually has an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Data Science or Statistics. For senior positions, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can be helpful.
Entry-level business intelligence analysts work to support senior analysts and spend the majority of their time processing and analysing independent data using SQL. They also work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs, process data, and report insights accordingly.
The average Business Intelligence Analyst entry-level salary is R420,006 per year as of December 2024, according to Talent.com. As analysts gain experience and skills, they can take on more responsibilities and apply for senior positions in the field.
Most analysts begin as Junior Business Intelligence Analyst or Data Analyst. After this, they progress to a Business Intelligence Analyst. Next, they can become a Senior Business Intelligence Analyst or a Lead Analyst, and finally, a Business Intelligence Analyst Manager or Director.
Junior Business Intelligence Analyst Salary in South Africa
The average Junior Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa is R323,400 per year. This comes to an average of R26,950 per month as of December 2024, according to Talent.com. A Junior Business Intelligence Analyst is typically an entry-level position in Business Intelligence. Most professionals work in this role for up to 3 years, where they send their time assisting senior business intelligence analysts.
For most students who wish to work as business intelligence analysts, this is the first job they are hired to as fresh graduates. As with every job profile, the Junior Business Intelligence Analyst salary is impacted by several factors.
1. Education
Students should complete their Business Administration or Computer Science undergraduate studies from an accredited institute. This provides value to the qualification and demonstrates to employers that the student has gained the necessary knowledge and skills.
2. Technical Skills
Junior business analysts must be proficient in data analytical tools such as SQL and Microsoft Excel. They should also be proficient in visualisation software such as Tableau and Power BI and programming languages such as Python and R.
3. Experience
Although these positions are for fresh graduates, employers appreciate candidates who have prior project or internship experience.
4. Certifications
Additional certifications in Business Intelligence tools or data analysis, especially for those with a business background, will be beneficial.
Senior Business Intelligence Analyst Salary in South Africa
As business intelligence analysts gain experience working across various companies and industries, they can command high salaries. On average, the Senior Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa is R6,600,000 per year as of December 2024, according to Talent.com. Based on this figure, the monthly earningfor a Senior Business Analyst is approximately R550,000 .
Students analysing these figures should keep in mind that these are average salaries, and actual numbers can vary depending on the experience, market conditions and industry.
Average Salary of a Business Intelligence Analyst in South Africa
The average Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa is R720,000 per year. Entry-level positions in this role can earn an average of R420,006, while experienced business intelligence analysts earn an average of R8,034,594, as of December 2024 according to Talent.com.
The table below provides an overview of Business Intelligence Analyst salaries across the different profiles. This data has been sourced from Talent.com and is updated as of December 2025.
| Business Intelligence Analyst Job Profile | Average Annual Salary (as of December 2024) |
| Junior Business Intelligence Analyst | R323,400 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst | R420,006 |
| Senior Business Intelligence Analyst | R6,600,000 |
| Business Intelligence Analyst Manager | R990,000 |
Business Analyst vs Business Intelligence Analyst Salary
While students are researching career paths and the undergraduate qualifications required, they might come across certain job profiles that sound similar. When reading about Business Intelligence Anlayst, they might wonder how it varies from the job role of a Business Analyst.
While these are similar-sounding job profiles, the scope, skills and career paths for both these roles vary. The table below will help to differentiate between Business Analyst and Business Intelligence Analyst:
| Criteria | Business Analyst | Business Intelligence Analyst |
| Purpose | Uses historical data to optimise operations | Uses historical data to predict trends that allow businesses to grow |
| Use | Current business operations | Future business operations |
| Application | Suitable for large companies | Suitable for all company sizes |
| Responsibilities | Analyse business requirementsImprove workflow and processesBridge between stakeholders and functional departments | Process and analyse dataDevelop dashboards and reportsProvide insights that can be implemented |
| Focus Area | Business optimisation | Data driver decision making |
| Type of Data Used | Unstructured | Structured |
Both these job profiles require students to have an understanding on business and data analytics to make better decisions. As an analyst gains experience, completing a Master of Business Administration (MBA) can be beneficial for securing senior positions that offer higher salaries.
When students compare Business Analyst vs Business Intelligence salary structures in South Africa, they will notice that business intelligence analysts have a slight edge. The table below offers a salary comparison for both of these job profiles. The salary figures have been sourced from Talent.com and are accurate as of December 2024.
| Business Analyst vs Business Intelligence Salary Comparison | ||
| Experience Level | Business Analyst | Business Intelligence Analyst |
| Average Salary | R615,000 | R720,000 |
| Entry-Level | R390,000 | R420,006 |
| Experienced | R7,205,400 | R8,034,594 |
Read more on How to Become a Business Analyst here
How to Increase Your Business Intelligence Analyst Salary in South Africa?
In South Africa, business intelligence analysts are in high demand as companies rely on data to gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Companies in nearly all industries want insight into trends and patterns that will help fuel future growth. A Business Intelligence Analyst uses historical data to identify advantage points that can give businesses an edge.
Business intelligence analysts can grow their careers and demand higher salaries by completing a strong educational foundation, gaining certifications, and demonstrating a proven track record.
These are some steps that can help improve Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa:
1. Develop Technical Skills
- SQL
- Power BI
- Qlik View
- Python
2. Obtain Certifications
- Certified Business Intelligence Professional (CBIP)
- Data Warehousing for Business Intelligence
- Google Business Intelligence Professional Certificate
- IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
3. Build Soft Skills
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Collaboration
Conclusion
A Business Intelligence Analyst helps to interpret meaningful insights from structured data that can help drive growth and gain a competitive edge. These professionals require a mix of technical skills and business acumen, making them invaluable to organisations.
The Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa is affected by various factors such as experience, education, and industry. Aspiring business intelligence analysts can improvetheir earning potential by gaining technical expertise, obtaining relevant certifications, and pursuing higher education.
Business Intelligence Analyst Salary in South Africa – FAQs
What is the average Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa?
On average, business intelligence analysts earn R720,000, according to Talent.com.
What technical skills are essential for a Business Intelligence Analyst?
Some technical skills include SQL, data visualisation tools, and knowledge of programming languages.
What industries offer the highest salaries for BI Analysts in South Africa?
High-paying industries for analysts include finance, technology, and energy due to their reliance on data-driven insights.
Are soft skills important for a BI Analyst?
Yes, soft skills such as communication, problem-solving, and collaboration can help analysts present data insights and work with diverse teams.
What factors can affect the Business Intelligence Analyst salary in South Africa?
Experience, educational qualification, certifications, and industry can affect overall salary.
