SOC Analyst vs BI Developer: 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.
BI Developer
Build dashboards, reports, and data visualisations to support business decisions.
BI Developer earns more on average — the national median is $21,731/year (28%) 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 BI Developer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | BI Developer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $149,547 | SOC +$12,763 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $119,905 | SOC +$20,565 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $144,935 | SOC +$16,845 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $109,654 | SOC +$24,446 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $103,999 | SOC +$21,311 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $133,426 | SOC +$3,124 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £77,839 | SOC $15,368 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$132,034 | SOC $30,953 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or BI Developer earn more?+
A BI Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $99,731/year for a BI Developer — a difference of $21,731 (28%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or BI Developer?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while BI Developer demand is growing at 22% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to BI Developer?+
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 BI Developer?+
BI Developer has a lower AI automation risk (45% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.