Site Reliability 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.
Site Reliability Engineer
Ensure platform reliability, scalability, and uptime at scale.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
Site Reliability 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.
Site Reliability Engineer vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Site Reliability Engineer | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $142,771 | $129,659 | Site +$13,112 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $108,724 | Site +$10,666 |
| Seattle, WA | $137,435 | $102,930 | Site +$34,505 |
| Austin, TX | $112,635 | $101,065 | Site +$11,570 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,126 | $92,625 | Site +$15,501 |
| Boston, MA | $129,849 | $113,607 | Site +$16,242 |
| London, UK | £79,751 | £71,596 | Site +$8,155 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,006 | CA$116,846 | Site +$18,160 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Site Reliability Engineer or Data Analyst earn more?+
A Site Reliability Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Site Reliability 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 — Site Reliability Engineer or Data Analyst?+
Site Reliability Engineer roles are growing at 27% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Site Reliability 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 — Site Reliability Engineer or Data Analyst?+
Site Reliability Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.