The Complete Tableau Developer Salary Guide For 2024

Tableau is a data visualization platform used for exploring, managing, and sharing data and insights. Founded in 2003 out of Stanford, Tableau is utilized globally by all types of organizations and empowers people to understand and make an impact with data. There are tens of thousands of roles that utilize Tableau as a part of their responsibilities, with Tableau developers being specialized users. There is growing demand for those with knowledge and experience in Tableau across all industries so prospects remain strong.

Whether new to the tool and looking to learn Tableau or an experienced professional, understanding salary trends in data science and analytics is vital for making informed decisions for your career, increasing negotiation power, and knowing what skills to continue to strengthen and develop. In this article, we look at Tableau developer salaries around the world to see what the market is like. 

Tableau Developer Salaries at a Glance

In 2024, Tableau developers in the United States earn an average salary ranging from $114,000 to $172,000, with entry-level positions averaging around $105,000, mid-level positions around $130,000, and senior-level positions around $163,000, depending on experience, location, industry, and additional skills or certifications.

What is a Tableau Developer?

Tableau developers are specialized programmers who create tailored interactive and insightful data visualizations, dashboards, and reports using Tableau software. They provide connections to new and existing data sources, develop custom scripts, and even perform more technically complex tasks, such as integration with R. 

Tableau developers also understand the ETL (extract, transform, load) process for transferring data. Their primary role is to transform and organize raw data into a comprehensible and visually appealing format that increases productivity and aids in decision-making processes. Here are the key responsibilities and skills of a Tableau Developer:

Key Responsibilities

• Data Collection and Preparation
• Extracting data from various sources (databases, spreadsheets, APIs, etc.).
• Cleaning and transforming data to ensure it is accurate and suitable for analysis.
• Dashboard and Report Creation
• Designing and developing interactive dashboards and reports that present data in an easily digestible format.
• Utilizing Tableau’s features to create visualizations that highlight key insights and trends.
• Data Analysis
• Using Tableau’s analytical capabilities to conduct in-depth analysis to identify patterns, correlations, and insights that can inform business decisions.
• Collaboration
• Working closely with business stakeholders to understand their data needs and requirements.
• Collaborating with data analysts, data engineers, and other IT professionals to ensure data accuracy and reliability.
• Optimization and Maintenance
• Ensuring that dashboards and reports are optimized for performance.
• Regularly updating and maintaining visualizations to reflect the most current data.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in Tableau
• Expertise in Tableau Desktop, Tableau Server, and Tableau Online.
• Familiarity with Tableau Prep for data preparation tasks.
• Data Visualization
• Strong understanding of data visualization principles and best practices.
• Ability to create visually appealing and informative charts, graphs, and dashboards.
• Data Management
• Knowledge of data warehousing concepts and SQL for querying databases.
• Experience with data integration tools and techniques.
• Analytical Thinking
• Critical thinking skills to solve problems and answer business questions using data.
• Ability to analyze complex data sets and derive meaningful insights.
• Communication Skills
• Strong communication skills to effectively convey data insights to non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to understand and translate business requirements into technical solutions.

By leveraging these skills, Tableau Developers play a crucial role in helping organizations make data-driven decisions by providing clear and actionable insights through their visualizations. You can start learning Tableau fundamentals and more advanced data analyst skills.

Average Salaries for Tableau Developers in 2024

A Tableau developer salary is comparable to that of a business analyst, data analyst, SQL developer, and data scientist, being higher on average than each of those, except for data scientists. 

Like other positions, their salary depends on the experience of their particular role and generally varies by entry, mid, and senior-level positions. 

Although exact salaries can vary by individual, industry, and geographic location, we have collected some data on what can be expected for each experience level in the United States.

(source: Glassdoor)

Entry-Level Tableau Developer Salaries

The typical entry-level Tableau developer has zero to two years of experience, with average salaries in the US around $105,000.  Roles at this level generally focus on building dashboards, learning their industry, and supporting projects. There are factors that can affect what an entry-level salary may be when starting in a new position as a Tableau developer:

1. Education
• Having a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field for the industry can determine your starting salary
• Tableau Certifications such as Tableau Desktop Specialist and other data-related certifications can increase salary prospects.
2. Experience
• Independent Tableau projects, internships, and related work experience can positively influence salaries.
3. Location
• Salaries may vary significantly based on the cost of living and the demand for Tableau developers in different locations. 
• For example, San Francisco has a higher cost of living and a higher demand for Tableau developers, so the salaries may be higher.
4. Industry
• Different industries have different levels of demand for data visualization, so high-demand industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare often offer higher salaries for Tableau developers.

Exploring these factors and gathering insights on how salary trends are impacted by them individually can help entry-level Tableau developers maximize their prospects.

Mid-Level Tableau Developer Salaries

A mid-level Tableau developer has around two to five years of experience and focuses on project optimization, guiding ETL processes, leading entry-level developers, and supporting stakeholders. 

The average salary of a mid-level Tableau developer salary is $130,000.  There are some key skills that can enhance the salary prospects of a mid-level Tableau developer:

1. Technical Skills
• Having advanced proficiency with Tableau, such as creating complex dashboards, optimizing workbook performance, and managing Tableau Server and Tableau Online environments.
• Experience with ETL tools, like Alteryx, Informatica, or Talend, and being able to prepare and clean data with Tableau Prep and other data preparation tools.
• Strong programming skills with SQL for querying and manipulating data 
• Python or R skills for advanced data analysis and integration with Tableau.
• Being able to conduct advanced statistical analysis and predictive modeling.
2. Non-Technical Skills
• Business acumen, such as a deep understanding of the industry you are working in and the ability to strategically align data visualizations with business goals and strategies.
• Communicating and presenting data to both technical and non-technical stakeholders using effective communication and storytelling with data.
• Project management skills, such as experience with agile project management practices and being able to manage multiple projects and deliverables effectively.
• Experiencing working in cross-functional teams and having the ability to mentor and guide junior tableau developers in order to enhance the capabilities and performance of the team.

By developing these skills, mid-level Tableau developers can enhance their value to the business of current and prospective employers, leaning to better salary prospects and career opportunities.

Senior Tableau Developer Salaries

Senior Tableau developers tend to have five or more years of experience. They have strong project management skills, a wealth of industry knowledge, and strong technical skills to support a wide variety of projects. 

Those who are looking for a senior Tableau developer salary can expect an average salary of $163,000 given their advanced knowledge. In addition to the continued advancement of skills mentioned in the previous section, there are some other skills and certifications that can impact a senior Tableau developer salary:

• Big Data Platforms: Expertise and certification in big data technologies like Hadoop, Spark, and NoSQL databases is highly sought after, particularly in organizations dealing with large-scale data
• Cloud Platforms: Certifications and experience with cloud platforms such as AWS and GCP are great ways to support your technical skillset
• Tableau Desktop Certified Professional: This certification demonstrates a high level of proficiency with Tableau and can differentiate candidates, leading to higher salaries.
• Tableau Server Certified Professional: Proficiency in deploying and managing Tableau Server environments can increase job prospects and salary, especially in larger organizations.
• Data Analytics and Science Certifications: Certifications like DataCamp’s Data Analyst Associate can add significant value.
• Project Management Certifications: Certifications such as Project Management Professional (PMP) or Agile certifications (e.g., Certified ScrumMaster) can enhance salary prospects by demonstrating project management skills.
• Stakeholder Management and Team Leadership: Proven ability to manage relationships with key stakeholders, understand their needs, and leading teams to meet those needs can significantly increase salary potential.

Advanced skills and certifications play a crucial role in enhancing the salary prospects of senior Tableau developers. By demonstrating expertise in complex data visualization, data integration, and advanced analytics, possessing relevant certifications, and good project and business management skills, senior developers can significantly increase their value to employers, leading to higher compensation and more advanced career opportunities.

Salary Differences by Location

Let's look at different countries and how salaries may differ. Note that salaries will differ based on an individual’s experience, their organization, and their exact location. Within a country, we can see wide variances in salary, and the collected data may not always be representative. 

We have linked our sources in the salary and suggest looking at roles in your particular area for a better idea of Tableau developer salaries. All countries will have salaries listed in local currency as well as the rough approximation of their USD equivalent (as of July 2024). 

United States

Tableau developers in the US can expect to make an average of $94,349, which is significantly higher than the national average of $55,640. These numbers can vary widely by city and state!

In states like California, we see Tableau developers making an average of $142,100. Those in Texas make slightly less at an average of $136,700.

In Atlanta, GA, we can find average salaries of $121,000 in Atlanta which is 22% higher than the average Tableau developer across the nation. In Washington DC, they make an average of $90,535, which is 4% less than the national average.

Canada

Tableau developers in Canada make an average of CAD$81,999. This is higher than the national average of CAD$57,100. Some of the highest average salaries for a Tableau Developer in Canada are in Vancouver, BC, with an average salary of CAD$95,000 base pay.

Note that the range in Canada is quite broad. Talent.com reports median salaries for Table developers to be in the range of $134,062.

United Kingdom

Tableau developers in the UK may seem to have lower salaries but actually earn much more than others within the nation. The average salary for a Tableau developer in the UK is £47,086 compared to the national average of £34,963. 

Something to note is that in London, the UK’s largest city, we see the average salary jump to £57,100 with the top 25% of earners with salaries of £77,500. From ITJobsWatch, the specific position of Tableau developer is becoming less common while IT jobs vacancies in general have grown. Keeping an open eye out for jobs with similar skill sets may prove valuable for Tableau professionals.

Australia

The average annual salary for a Tableau developer in Australia is AUD$126,566. This is about 37% higher than the national average of AUD$92,029. This can vary by city and by state!

In Melbourne, VIC the average salary for a Tableau developer is AUD$118,471. Sydney, NSW boasts the highest average salary for Tableau developers in Australia sitting at AUD$130,251 annually.

Switzerland

Within Switzerland, the average Tableau developer salary is CHF 106,800, with the top 25% of earners having an annual salary of  CHF 105,000. These salaries are higher than the national average of CHF 79,980.  A developer in Zurich could have a similar average salary, but the top 25% of earners start at  CHF 132,500, so there is a greater potential for higher pay.

According to GlobalData, tech jobs are trending down in Switzerland as compared to Fall 2023 which may make it challenging to find a position in Switzerland. Keep that in mind if you plan on making the switch to tech in Switzerland.

India

Within India, the average Tableau developer has a salary of ₹9,88,096, with the annual average being ₹3,87,500. According to Analytics Vidhya companies such as IBM, Wipro, Accenture, and Oracle are looking for candidates with Tableau skill sets and offer a broad market of opportunity.

Singapore

Singaporean Tableau Developer jobs continue to be quite popular, with Jobsdb showing more than 1,300 opportunities for Tableau developers in Singapore (as of July 2024). With an average salary of SGD$75,780, Tableau developers are poised to make more than the national average of SGD$62,364.

Factors Influencing Tableau Developer Salaries

Some factors that influence Tableau developer salaries are the industry, certifications, and education. While specific demographic data is hard to find for Tableau developers, a bachelor’s degree or higher will improve your chances of obtaining a higher-paying job.

Alongside some certifications, you are more likely to boost your resume and find a better starting salary.

As a whole, the market continues to remain strong for Tableau developers. Zippia projects a continued 28% growth rate for Tableau developer jobs between now and 2028. Specific industries will have a variety of salary ranges for Tableau developers.

Industry Breakdown

Depending on the industry we see different pay scales for Tableau developers. Data from Glassdoor highlights the differences in different industries including their base pay and bonuses. We see the lowest base pay estimated at an average of $88,000 in the legal industry.

Legal: Average Tableau Developer Salaries

As you can see from the infographic above, in the legal sector, the average is around $111k - $184k per year. 

Pharmaceutical: Average Tableau Developer Salaries

Glassdoor estimates that in the Pharmaceutical industry, tableau developers can expect to command an annual salary averaging $116k - $185k. 

Financial Services: Average Tableau Developer Salaries

The range is similar in the financial services industry, with salaries ranging from $117k - $186k per year. 

Healthcare: Average Tableau Developer Salaries

As you can see, in healthcare the average is slightly lower than other industries, starting at $112k per year and ranging up towards $177k. 

Source: Glassdoor

Information Technology: Average Tableau Developer Salaries

The IT industry is highly competitive, as you’d expect, with salaries for Tableau developers ranging between $123k and $186k, as per data from Glassdoor. 

Benefits and Perks

Many companies hiring Tableau developers offer benefits such as bonuses and remote work. Many positions in the tech industry for Tableau developers may offer things such as stock options which may increase the overall compensation. There may also be performance-based incentives for Tableau developers which can help improve their overall compensation.

Other perks will vary by company and industry, but Tableau developers have plenty of skills that allow them flexibility when it comes to choosing where they want to work. This includes the opportunity for remote work.

Future Salary Trends for Tableau Developers

The future looks bright for Tableau developers. Zippia reports a potential increase of Tableau developer salaries by 10% over the next few years in the United States. With growing trends in AI and increasing desire for quantitative analysis, Tableau developers are at the forefront of data trends..

Tableau developers focusing on their statistical methods can take their analysis to the next level. Understanding how to use AI tools will bolster their ability to create meaningful insights from their data.

How to Increase Your Salary as a Tableau Developer

If you’re just starting your career or looking to take the next step in your Tableau developer career, there are many ways to increase your salary. Here are some key tips for maximizing your growth in the job market:

• Continue learning and growing your skills. Never stop improving your knowledge by keeping up with modern trends. Keeping your skills sharp with courses will enable you to advance your career.
• Obtain certifications. Having a certification increases your chances of obtaining a higher paying position. Certifications are a great way to showcase your proficiency and advanced knowledge of Tableau.
• Negotiate a higher salary.  Do thorough research on recent salary trends and bring that knowledge with you when discussing salary. Talk to your manager about how you feel behind in terms of pay or negotiate higher rates based on market data.
• Pivot to a new industry. Not all companies and industries are equal. Sometimes changing industries is the best way to obtain a pay jump. If you enjoy the industry then consider switching to a company which pays better.

DataCamp has a wide range of courses to help you develop your skills, from strengthening fundamentals to developing new skills. There is a full data analyst with Tableau track to give you all the key skills in Tableau and a Tableau certified data analyst preparation course to help you solidify that knowledge into a certification. 

Finally, make sure you are ready to answer those interview questions with a comprehensive Tableau interview guide.

Conclusion

Now we know Tableau developers are in demand worldwide and tend to be well-compensated. The exact salary will vary across different countries, industries, and years of experience, however, Tableau developers will tend to earn a salary above average given the specialized education and expertise necessary to perform the duties of the jobs. 

As the Tableau software continues to improve,  the field of Tableau development continues to grow. This will lead to an increased demand and likely higher salaries which offer a great opportunity for those looking to obtain these skills. 

Want to kick-start your Tableau knowledge? Check out the following courses:

• Introduction to Tableau
• Tableau Fundamentals
• Analyzing Data in Tableau
• Data Analyst in Tableau

Interested in other data-related jobs? Check out other articles:

• Data analyst salaries
• Data scientist salaries
• SQL developer salaries
• Business analyst salaries