Information Security Analyst vs IT Support Specialist: 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.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Information Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $67,320/year (109%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Information Security Analyst vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Information Security Analyst | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $184,843 | $92,808 | Information +$92,035 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $72,917 | Information +$67,553 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,507 | $86,967 | Information +$101,540 |
| Austin, TX | $148,073 | $69,244 | Information +$78,829 |
| Chicago, IL | $135,227 | $64,877 | Information +$70,350 |
| Boston, MA | $169,408 | $79,215 | Information +$90,193 |
| London, UK | £101,423 | £47,998 | Information +$53,425 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$172,721 | CA$84,196 | Information +$88,525 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Information Security Analyst or IT Support Specialist 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 $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $67,320 (109%).
Which has better career growth — Information Security Analyst or IT Support Specialist?+
Information Security Analyst roles are growing at 32% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. Information Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Information Security Analyst to IT Support Specialist?+
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 IT Support Specialist?+
Information Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.