Software Engineer vs Data Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Software Engineer
Design, develop and maintain software systems and applications.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
Software Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $47,040/year (53%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Software Engineer vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Software Engineer | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,950 | $129,659 | Software +$65,291 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $108,724 | Software +$58,106 |
| Seattle, WA | $189,468 | $102,930 | Software +$86,538 |
| Austin, TX | $148,834 | $101,065 | Software +$47,769 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,966 | $92,625 | Software +$57,341 |
| Boston, MA | $176,542 | $113,607 | Software +$62,935 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £71,596 | Software +$2,346 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$116,846 | Software +$9,306 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Software Engineer or Data Analyst earn more?+
A Software Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Software Engineer is $135,980/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $47,040 (53%).
Which has better career growth — Software Engineer or Data Analyst?+
Software Engineer roles are growing at 25% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Software Engineer to Data Analyst?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python, SQL.
Which is harder to automate — Software Engineer or Data Analyst?+
Software Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 50%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.