IT Manager vs Analytics Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $55,055/year (46%) higher than a Analytics Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Manager vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Manager | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $260,907 | $171,525 | IT +$89,382 |
| New York, NY | $206,737 | $147,203 | IT +$59,534 |
| Seattle, WA | $253,469 | $173,765 | IT +$79,704 |
| Austin, TX | $194,345 | $131,230 | IT +$63,115 |
| Chicago, IL | $186,335 | $125,515 | IT +$60,820 |
| Boston, MA | $234,529 | $158,382 | IT +$76,147 |
| London, UK | £138,371 | £93,991 | IT +$44,380 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$227,074 | CA$163,067 | IT +$64,007 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Manager or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Manager is $175,140/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $55,055 (46%).
Which has better career growth — IT Manager or Analytics Engineer?+
IT Manager roles are growing at 10% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. Analytics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Manager to Analytics Engineer?+
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 — IT Manager or Analytics Engineer?+
IT Manager has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.