IT Support Specialist 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 Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
SOC Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $10,140/year (16%) 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 SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | IT Support Specialist | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $92,808 | $105,392 | IT $12,584 |
| New York, NY | $72,917 | $140,470 | IT $67,553 |
| Seattle, WA | $86,967 | $101,114 | IT $14,147 |
| Austin, TX | $69,244 | $81,440 | IT $12,196 |
| Chicago, IL | $64,877 | $76,392 | IT $11,515 |
| Boston, MA | $79,215 | $94,913 | IT $15,698 |
| London, UK | £47,998 | £57,665 | IT $9,667 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$84,196 | CA$93,306 | IT $9,110 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a IT Support Specialist or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A SOC Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a IT Support Specialist is $61,860/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $10,140 (16%).
Which has better career growth — IT Support Specialist or SOC Analyst?+
IT Support Specialist roles are growing at 5% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from IT Support Specialist 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 Support Specialist or SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.