Data Scientist vs IT Support Specialist: 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.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $58,370/year (94%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $92,808 | Data +$83,969 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $72,917 | Data +$63,063 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $86,967 | Data +$86,219 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $69,244 | Data +$61,489 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $64,877 | Data +$67,538 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $79,215 | Data +$76,900 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £47,998 | Data +$30,218 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$84,196 | Data +$50,069 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or IT Support Specialist earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $58,370 (94%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or IT Support Specialist?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to IT Support Specialist?+
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 IT Support Specialist?+
Data Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.