IT Manager vs SOC Analyst: 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $103,140/year (143%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Manager vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Manager | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $260,907 | $105,392 | IT +$155,515 |
| New York, NY | $206,737 | $140,470 | IT +$66,267 |
| Seattle, WA | $253,469 | $101,114 | IT +$152,355 |
| Austin, TX | $194,345 | $81,440 | IT +$112,905 |
| Chicago, IL | $186,335 | $76,392 | IT +$109,943 |
| Boston, MA | $234,529 | $94,913 | IT +$139,616 |
| London, UK | £138,371 | £57,665 | IT +$80,706 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$227,074 | CA$93,306 | IT +$133,768 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Manager or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Manager is $175,140/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $103,140 (143%).
Which has better career growth — IT Manager or SOC Analyst?+
IT Manager roles are growing at 10% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Manager to SOC Analyst?+
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 SOC Analyst?+
IT Manager has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.