SOC Analyst vs IT Manager: 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.
IT Manager
Oversee IT department operations, staff, and technology strategy.
IT Manager earns more on average — the national median is $97,140/year (125%) 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 IT Manager — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | IT Manager | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $260,907 | SOC $98,597 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $215,300 | SOC $74,830 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $253,469 | SOC $91,689 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $176,990 | SOC $42,890 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $173,760 | SOC $48,450 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $214,960 | SOC $78,410 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £138,371 | SOC $75,900 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$227,074 | SOC $125,993 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or IT Manager earn more?+
A IT Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $175,140/year for a IT Manager — a difference of $97,140 (125%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or IT Manager?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while IT Manager demand is growing at 10% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to IT Manager?+
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 IT Manager?+
IT Manager has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 55%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.