Network Engineer 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.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer network infrastructure.
Data Governance Analyst
Establish and enforce policies for data quality, privacy, and compliance.
Network Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $45,110/year (51%) higher than a Data Governance Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Network Engineer vs Data Governance Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Network Engineer | Data Governance Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $195,491 | $127,235 | Network +$68,256 |
| New York, NY | $165,772 | $104,917 | Network +$60,855 |
| Seattle, WA | $192,889 | $102,930 | Network +$89,959 |
| Austin, TX | $149,704 | $96,439 | Network +$53,265 |
| Chicago, IL | $145,221 | $96,264 | Network +$48,957 |
| Boston, MA | $176,955 | $114,991 | Network +$61,964 |
| London, UK | £106,873 | £67,745 | Network +$39,128 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$177,211 | CA$119,721 | Network +$57,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Engineer or Data Governance Analyst earn more?+
A Network Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Network Engineer is $134,050/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Governance Analyst — a difference of $45,110 (51%).
Which has better career growth — Network Engineer or Data Governance Analyst?+
Network Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Data Governance Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Governance Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Network Engineer 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 — Network Engineer or Data Governance Analyst?+
Data Governance Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (50% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.