MLOps Engineer vs Data Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
MLOps Engineer
Build and maintain infrastructure for deploying machine learning models at scale.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
MLOps Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $10,190/year (11%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
MLOps Engineer vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | MLOps Engineer | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $144,519 | $129,659 | MLOps +$14,860 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $108,724 | MLOps +$10,666 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,997 | $102,930 | MLOps +$37,067 |
| Austin, TX | $107,475 | $101,065 | MLOps +$6,410 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,552 | $92,625 | MLOps +$15,927 |
| Boston, MA | $133,124 | $113,607 | MLOps +$19,517 |
| London, UK | £79,867 | £71,596 | MLOps +$8,271 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,108 | CA$116,846 | MLOps +$13,262 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a MLOps Engineer or Data Analyst earn more?+
A MLOps Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a MLOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $10,190 (11%).
Which has better career growth — MLOps Engineer or Data Analyst?+
MLOps Engineer roles are growing at 52% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. MLOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from MLOps Engineer to Data Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — MLOps Engineer or Data Analyst?+
MLOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.