SOC Analyst vs IT Support Specialist: 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 Support Specialist
Provide technical support for hardware, software, and networks.
SOC Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $16,140/year (26%) higher than a IT Support Specialist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
SOC Analyst vs IT Support Specialist — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | IT Support Specialist | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $92,808 | SOC +$69,502 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $75,690 | SOC +$64,780 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $86,967 | SOC +$74,813 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $61,990 | SOC +$72,110 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $60,730 | SOC +$64,580 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $77,850 | SOC +$58,700 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £47,998 | SOC +$14,473 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$84,196 | SOC +$16,885 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or IT Support Specialist earn more?+
A SOC Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $61,860/year for a IT Support Specialist — a difference of $16,140 (26%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or IT Support Specialist?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while IT Support Specialist demand is growing at 5% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to IT Support Specialist?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Networking.
Which is harder to automate — SOC Analyst or IT Support Specialist?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (55% vs 71%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.