IT Support Specialist vs AI Safety Researcher: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
IT Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
AI Safety Researcher
Research methods to make AI systems safer, more aligned, and interpretable.
AI Safety Researcher earns more on average — the national median is $19,630/year (32%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
IT Support Specialist vs AI Safety Researcher — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | AI Safety Researcher | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $118,871 | IT $26,063 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $79,460 | IT $6,543 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $113,639 | IT $26,672 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $92,366 | IT $23,122 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $85,872 | IT $20,995 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $107,617 | IT $28,402 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £63,159 | IT $15,161 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$111,112 | IT $26,916 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or AI Safety Researcher earn more?+
A AI Safety Researcher earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $81,490/year for a AI Safety Researcher — a difference of $19,630 (32%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or AI Safety Researcher?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while AI Safety Researcher demand is growing at 65% YoY. AI Safety Researcher has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist to AI Safety Researcher?+
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 Support Specialist or AI Safety Researcher?+
AI Safety Researcher has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.