Systems Administrator vs Analytics Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Systems Administrator
Manage servers, operating systems, and IT infrastructure.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Analytics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $20,955/year (21%) higher than a Systems Administrator. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Systems Administrator vs Analytics Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Systems Administrator | Analytics Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,173 | $171,525 | Systems $25,352 |
| New York, NY | $120,157 | $147,203 | Systems $27,046 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,912 | $173,765 | Systems $29,853 |
| Austin, TX | $108,712 | $131,230 | Systems $22,518 |
| Chicago, IL | $104,809 | $125,515 | Systems $20,706 |
| Boston, MA | $127,175 | $158,382 | Systems $31,207 |
| London, UK | £76,827 | £93,991 | Systems $17,164 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,867 | CA$163,067 | Systems $32,200 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Administrator or Analytics Engineer earn more?+
A Analytics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Systems Administrator is $99,130/year, compared to $120,085/year for a Analytics Engineer — a difference of $20,955 (21%).
Which has better career growth — Systems Administrator or Analytics Engineer?+
Systems Administrator roles are growing at 4% YoY while Analytics Engineer demand is growing at 38% YoY. Analytics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Systems Administrator to Analytics Engineer?+
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 — Systems Administrator or Analytics Engineer?+
Analytics Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.