AI Safety Researcher vs Analytics Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
AI Safety Researcher
Research methods to make AI systems safer, more aligned, and interpretable.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Analytics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $38,595/year (47%) higher than a AI Safety Researcher. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AI Safety Researcher vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AI Safety Researcher | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $118,871 | $171,525 | AI $52,654 |
| New York, NY | $79,460 | $147,203 | AI $67,743 |
| Seattle, WA | $113,639 | $173,765 | AI $60,126 |
| Austin, TX | $92,366 | $131,230 | AI $38,864 |
| Chicago, IL | $85,872 | $125,515 | AI $39,643 |
| Boston, MA | $107,617 | $158,382 | AI $50,765 |
| London, UK | £63,159 | £93,991 | AI $30,832 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,112 | CA$163,067 | AI $51,955 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AI Safety Researcher or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A Analytics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a AI Safety Researcher is $81,490/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $38,595 (47%).
Which has better career growth — AI Safety Researcher or Analytics Engineer?+
AI Safety Researcher roles are growing at 65% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. AI Safety Researcher has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AI Safety Researcher to Analytics Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — AI Safety Researcher or Analytics Engineer?+
AI Safety Researcher has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.