Luke Varney diverted the ball into his own net under pressure from Ipswich defender Luke Chambers
Burton's Championship relegation fears deepened with a home loss against Ipswich who are now almost safe.
The visitors' first came in the 52nd minute when Burton's Luke Varney turned into his own net at a corner.
Freddie Sears doubled Ipswich's lead in the 79th minute before Lukas Akins pulled one back from the penalty spot with four minutes left.
But Ipswich held on and climb to 15th while Burton stay 21st, just two points above the relegation places.
After wins for Blackburn and Bristol City earlier in the day, Ipswich started the game at the Pirelli Stadium 17th, just six points from danger.
Both sides sensed the importance of three points in an open game but Ipswich were deserved of just their third win in 16 games that moves them nine points above the relegation zone with four games left.
Mick McCarthy's side went ahead in fortunate circumstances with Varney's own goal, but Sears finished a sharp counter-attack at the second attempt for their second.
Myles Kenlock's foul on Varney in the penalty area resulted in a frantic finish and Burton's Lasse Vigen Christensen looped a shot onto crossbar in injury time.
