IT Support Specialist vs Data Governance Analyst: 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.
Data Governance Analyst
Establish and enforce policies for data quality, privacy, and compliance.
Data Governance Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $27,080/year (44%) 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 Data Governance Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Data Governance Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $127,235 | IT $34,427 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $104,917 | IT $32,000 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $102,930 | IT $15,963 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $96,439 | IT $27,195 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $96,264 | IT $31,387 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $114,991 | IT $35,776 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £67,745 | IT $19,747 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$119,721 | IT $35,525 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Data Governance Analyst earn more?+
A Data Governance Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Governance Analyst — a difference of $27,080 (44%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Data Governance Analyst?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Data Governance Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Governance Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist to Data Governance 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 Support Specialist or Data Governance Analyst?+
Data Governance Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (50% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.