Data Architect 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 Architect
Design enterprise data systems, lakes, and pipelines for scalability and governance.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Data Architect earns more on average — the national median is $61,060/year (68%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Architect vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Architect | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $223,662 | $133,466 | Data +$90,196 |
| New York, NY | $176,070 | $109,717 | Data +$66,353 |
| Seattle, WA | $213,160 | $129,188 | Data +$83,972 |
| Austin, TX | $169,668 | $98,064 | Data +$71,604 |
| Chicago, IL | $163,518 | $98,234 | Data +$65,284 |
| Boston, MA | $192,776 | $114,557 | Data +$78,219 |
| London, UK | £114,371 | £70,022 | Data +$44,349 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$200,067 | CA$118,720 | Data +$81,347 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Architect or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Data Architect earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Architect is $150,615/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $61,060 (68%).
Which has better career growth — Data Architect or Security Analyst?+
Data Architect 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 Architect 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 Architect or Security Analyst?+
Data Architect has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.