Data Scientist vs Systems Administrator: 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Data Scientist earns more on average — the national median is $21,100/year (21%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $146,173 | Data +$30,604 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $120,157 | Data +$15,823 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $143,912 | Data +$29,274 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $108,712 | Data +$22,021 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $104,809 | Data +$27,606 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $127,175 | Data +$28,940 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £76,827 | Data +$1,389 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$130,867 | Data +$3,398 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Systems Administrator earn more?+
A Data Scientist earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $21,100 (21%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Systems Administrator?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Systems Administrator?+
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 Systems Administrator?+
Data Scientist has a lower AI automation risk (40% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.