Data Scientist vs Information Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Information Security Analyst
Protect organisational data and systems from cyber attacks.
Information Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $8,950/year (7%) higher than a Data Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Information Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Information Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $184,843 | Data $8,066 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $140,470 | Data $4,490 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $188,507 | Data $15,321 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $148,073 | Data $17,340 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $135,227 | Data $2,812 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $169,408 | Data $13,293 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £101,423 | Data $23,207 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$172,721 | Data $38,456 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Information Security Analyst earn more?+
A Information Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Information Security Analyst — a difference of $8,950 (7%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Information Security Analyst?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Information Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Information 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 Scientist or Information Security Analyst?+
Data Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.