SOC Analyst vs Data Analyst: 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.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
Data Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $10,940/year (14%) 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 Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $110,560 | SOC +$51,750 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $103,110 | SOC +$37,360 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $102,930 | SOC +$58,850 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $88,190 | SOC +$45,910 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $86,500 | SOC +$38,810 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $100,700 | SOC +$35,850 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £71,596 | SOC $9,125 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$116,846 | SOC $15,765 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or Data Analyst earn more?+
A Data Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $10,940 (14%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or Data Analyst?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to Data 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 — SOC Analyst or Data Analyst?+
Data Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (50% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.