Data Scientist 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 Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $48,230/year (67%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $105,392 | Data +$71,385 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $140,470 | Data $4,490 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $101,114 | Data +$72,072 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $81,440 | Data +$49,293 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $76,392 | Data +$56,023 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $94,913 | Data +$61,202 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £57,665 | Data +$20,551 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$93,306 | Data +$40,959 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $48,230 (67%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or SOC Analyst?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist 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 Scientist or SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.