Data Scientist 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 Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $30,675/year (34%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $133,466 | Data +$43,311 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $109,717 | Data +$26,263 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $129,188 | Data +$43,998 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $98,064 | Data +$32,669 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $98,234 | Data +$34,181 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $114,557 | Data +$41,558 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £70,022 | Data +$8,194 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$118,720 | Data +$15,545 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $30,675 (34%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Security Analyst?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist 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 Scientist or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.