Data 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.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $615/year (1%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Analyst vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Analyst | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $129,659 | $133,466 | Data $3,807 |
| New York, NY | $108,724 | $109,717 | Data $993 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,930 | $129,188 | Data $26,258 |
| Austin, TX | $101,065 | $98,064 | Data +$3,001 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,625 | $98,234 | Data $5,609 |
| Boston, MA | $113,607 | $114,557 | Data $950 |
| London, UK | £71,596 | £70,022 | Data +$1,574 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$116,846 | CA$118,720 | Data $1,874 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Analyst or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Analyst is $88,940/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $615 (1%).
Which has better career growth — Data Analyst or Security Analyst?+
Data Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data 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 — Data Analyst or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.