Information Security Analyst vs Data Architect: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Information Security Analyst
Protect organisational data and systems from cyber attacks.
Data Architect
Design enterprise data systems, lakes, and pipelines for scalability and governance.
Data Architect earns more on average — the national median is $21,435/year (17%) higher than a Information Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Information Security Analyst vs Data Architect — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Information Security Analyst | Data Architect | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $184,843 | $223,662 | Information $38,819 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $176,070 | Information $35,600 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,507 | $213,160 | Information $24,653 |
| Austin, TX | $148,073 | $169,668 | Information $21,595 |
| Chicago, IL | $135,227 | $163,518 | Information $28,291 |
| Boston, MA | $169,408 | $192,776 | Information $23,368 |
| London, UK | £101,423 | £114,371 | Information $12,948 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$172,721 | CA$200,067 | Information $27,346 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Information Security Analyst or Data Architect earn more?+
A Data Architect earns more on average. The national median salary for a Information Security Analyst is $129,180/year, compared to $150,615/year for a Data Architect — a difference of $21,435 (17%).
Which has better career growth — Information Security Analyst or Data Architect?+
Information Security Analyst roles are growing at 32% YoY while Data Architect demand is growing at 28% YoY. Information Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Information Security Analyst to Data Architect?+
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 — Information Security Analyst or Data Architect?+
Data Architect has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.