SOC Analyst vs Database Administrator: 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.
Database Administrator
Design, implement, and maintain databases for performance, security, and reliability.
Database Administrator earns more on average — the national median is $18,678/year (24%) 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 Database Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | Database Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $143,960 | SOC +$18,350 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $113,900 | SOC +$26,570 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $137,758 | SOC +$24,022 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $110,792 | SOC +$23,308 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $100,682 | SOC +$24,628 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $127,909 | SOC +$8,641 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £77,179 | SOC $14,708 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$127,247 | SOC $26,166 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or Database Administrator earn more?+
A Database Administrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $96,678/year for a Database Administrator — a difference of $18,678 (24%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or Database Administrator?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Database Administrator demand is growing at 8% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to Database Administrator?+
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 Database Administrator?+
Database Administrator has a lower AI automation risk (42% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.