IT Support Specialist 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 Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Analytics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $58,225/year (94%) 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 Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $171,525 | IT $78,717 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $147,203 | IT $74,286 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $173,765 | IT $86,798 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $131,230 | IT $61,986 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $125,515 | IT $60,638 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $158,382 | IT $79,167 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £93,991 | IT $45,993 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$163,067 | IT $78,871 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A Analytics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $58,225 (94%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Analytics Engineer?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. Analytics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist 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 Support Specialist or Analytics Engineer?+
Analytics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.