IT Support Specialist vs Security 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.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $27,695/year (45%) 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 Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $133,466 | IT $40,658 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $109,717 | IT $36,800 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $129,188 | IT $42,221 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $98,064 | IT $28,820 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $98,234 | IT $33,357 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $114,557 | IT $35,342 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £70,022 | IT $22,024 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$118,720 | IT $34,524 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $27,695 (45%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or Security Analyst?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist to Security 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 Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.