Information Security Analyst vs Systems 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Information Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $30,050/year (30%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Information Security Analyst vs Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Information Security Analyst | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $184,843 | $146,173 | Information +$38,670 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $120,157 | Information +$20,313 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,507 | $143,912 | Information +$44,595 |
| Austin, TX | $148,073 | $108,712 | Information +$39,361 |
| Chicago, IL | $135,227 | $104,809 | Information +$30,418 |
| Boston, MA | $169,408 | $127,175 | Information +$42,233 |
| London, UK | £101,423 | £76,827 | Information +$24,596 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$172,721 | CA$130,867 | Information +$41,854 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Information Security Analyst or Systems 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 $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $30,050 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Information Security Analyst or Systems Administrator?+
Information Security Analyst roles are growing at 32% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. Information Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Information Security Analyst 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 — Information Security Analyst or Systems Administrator?+
Information Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.