Data Governance Analyst vs SOC Analyst: 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Data Governance Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $16,940/year (24%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Governance Analyst vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Governance Analyst | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $127,235 | $105,392 | Data +$21,843 |
| New York, NY | $104,917 | $140,470 | Data $35,553 |
| Seattle, WA | $102,930 | $101,114 | Data +$1,816 |
| Austin, TX | $96,439 | $81,440 | Data +$14,999 |
| Chicago, IL | $96,264 | $76,392 | Data +$19,872 |
| Boston, MA | $114,991 | $94,913 | Data +$20,078 |
| London, UK | £67,745 | £57,665 | Data +$10,080 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$119,721 | CA$93,306 | Data +$26,415 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Governance Analyst or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Data Governance Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Governance Analyst is $88,940/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $16,940 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Data Governance Analyst or SOC Analyst?+
Data Governance Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Governance Analyst to SOC 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 Governance Analyst or SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.