Data Governance Analyst vs Penetration Tester: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Governance Analyst
Establish and enforce policies for data quality, privacy, and compliance.
Penetration Tester
Conduct authorised attacks on systems to find and report vulnerabilities.
Penetration Tester earns more on average — the national median is $40,240/year (45%) higher than a Data Governance Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Governance Analyst vs Penetration Tester — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Governance Analyst | Penetration Tester | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $127,235 | $193,496 | Data $66,261 |
| New York, NY | $104,917 | $140,470 | Data $35,553 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,930 | $188,841 | Data $85,911 |
| Austin, TX | $96,439 | $145,769 | Data $49,330 |
| Chicago, IL | $96,264 | $135,251 | Data $38,987 |
| Boston, MA | $114,991 | $171,501 | Data $56,510 |
| London, UK | £67,745 | £102,480 | Data $34,735 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$119,721 | CA$166,911 | Data $47,190 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Governance Analyst or Penetration Tester earn more?+
A Penetration Tester earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Governance Analyst is $88,940/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Penetration Tester — a difference of $40,240 (45%).
Which has better career growth — Data Governance Analyst or Penetration Tester?+
Data Governance Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Penetration Tester demand is growing at 30% YoY. Penetration Tester has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Governance Analyst to Penetration Tester?+
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 Governance Analyst or Penetration Tester?+
Penetration Tester has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.