Upskill SQL Dev to Data Engineer or BI Developer to Avert AI Impact

Published on 10/30/2025 Hiring & Talent Acquisition Insights

To future-proof your 5 years as a SQL/Report Developer against potential AI automation, it's critical to upskill into more specialized data roles. Focus on becoming proficient in modern data visualization tools like Power BI (a direct upgrade from SSRS) and learning Python for data manipulation, scripting, and advanced analytics. Explore cloud data platforms (Azure Data Factory, AWS Glue) and core data engineering concepts. These skills will enable you to transition into higher-paying roles such as Data Engineer ($100k-$160k+), BI Developer ($80k-$120k+), or Analytics Engineer, securing your career path.