Information Security Analyst vs Database Administrator: 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.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Information Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $32,502/year (34%) higher than a Database Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Information Security Analyst vs Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Information Security Analyst | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $184,843 | $143,960 | Information +$40,883 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $113,900 | Information +$26,570 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,507 | $137,758 | Information +$50,749 |
| Austin, TX | $148,073 | $110,792 | Information +$37,281 |
| Chicago, IL | $135,227 | $100,682 | Information +$34,545 |
| Boston, MA | $169,408 | $127,909 | Information +$41,499 |
| London, UK | £101,423 | £77,179 | Information +$24,244 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$172,721 | CA$127,247 | Information +$45,474 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Information Security Analyst or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Information Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Information Security Analyst is $129,180/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $32,502 (34%).
Which has better career growth — Information Security Analyst or Database Administrator?+
Information Security Analyst roles are growing at 32% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. Information Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Information Security Analyst to Database 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 — Information Security Analyst or Database Administrator?+
Database Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.