SOC Analyst vs Systems 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.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Systems Administrator earns more on average — the national median is $21,130/year (27%) 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 Systems Administrator — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | SOC Analyst | Systems Administrator | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $162,310 | $146,173 | SOC +$16,137 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $119,390 | SOC +$21,080 |
| Seattle, WA | $161,780 | $143,912 | SOC +$17,868 |
| Austin, TX | $134,100 | $104,520 | SOC +$29,580 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,310 | $103,170 | SOC +$22,140 |
| Boston, MA | $136,550 | $116,770 | SOC +$19,780 |
| London, UK | £62,471 | £76,827 | SOC $14,356 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$101,081 | CA$130,867 | SOC $29,786 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a SOC Analyst or Systems Administrator earn more?+
A Systems Administrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a SOC Analyst is $78,000/year, compared to $99,130/year for a Systems Administrator — a difference of $21,130 (27%).
Which has better career growth — SOC Analyst or Systems Administrator?+
SOC Analyst roles are growing at 28% YoY while Systems Administrator demand is growing at 4% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from SOC Analyst to Systems 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 Systems Administrator?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (55% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.