Business Intelligence Analyst vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Business Intelligence Analyst
Build dashboards and reports to surface KPIs for business teams.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Business Intelligence Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $49,945/year (56%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Business Intelligence Analyst vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Business Intelligence Analyst | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $207,300 | $133,466 | Business +$73,834 |
| New York, NY | $172,390 | $109,717 | Business +$62,673 |
| Seattle, WA | $196,915 | $129,188 | Business +$67,727 |
| Austin, TX | $159,214 | $98,064 | Business +$61,150 |
| Chicago, IL | $153,086 | $98,234 | Business +$54,852 |
| Boston, MA | $179,806 | $114,557 | Business +$65,249 |
| London, UK | £105,924 | £70,022 | Business +$35,902 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$182,284 | CA$118,720 | Business +$63,564 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Business Intelligence Analyst or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Business Intelligence Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Business Intelligence Analyst is $139,500/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $49,945 (56%).
Which has better career growth — Business Intelligence Analyst or Security Analyst?+
Business Intelligence Analyst roles are growing at 20% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Business Intelligence Analyst to Security Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Business Intelligence Analyst or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.