SOC Analyst vs Analytics Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
SOC Analyst
Monitor and respond to cybersecurity incidents in a security operations center.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Analytics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $42,085/year (54%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
SOC Analyst vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $171,525 | SOC $9,215 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $147,203 | SOC $6,733 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $173,765 | SOC $11,985 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $131,230 | SOC +$2,870 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $125,515 | SOC $205 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $158,382 | SOC $21,832 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £93,991 | SOC $31,520 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$163,067 | SOC $61,986 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A Analytics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $42,085 (54%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or Analytics Engineer?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. Analytics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to Analytics Engineer?+
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 — SOC Analyst or Analytics Engineer?+
Analytics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.