Systems Administrator vs Data Analyst: 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.
Data Analyst
Transform raw data into actionable business insights through analysis and reporting.
Systems Administrator earns more on average — the national median is $10,190/year (11%) higher than a Data Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Systems Administrator vs Data Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Systems Administrator | Data Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,173 | $129,659 | Systems +$16,514 |
| New York, NY | $120,157 | $108,724 | Systems +$11,433 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,912 | $102,930 | Systems +$40,982 |
| Austin, TX | $108,712 | $101,065 | Systems +$7,647 |
| Chicago, IL | $104,809 | $92,625 | Systems +$12,184 |
| Boston, MA | $127,175 | $113,607 | Systems +$13,568 |
| London, UK | £76,827 | £71,596 | Systems +$5,231 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,867 | CA$116,846 | Systems +$14,021 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Administrator or Data Analyst earn more?+
A Systems Administrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a Systems Administrator is $99,130/year, compared to $88,940/year for a Data Analyst — a difference of $10,190 (11%).
Which has better career growth — Systems Administrator or Data Analyst?+
Systems Administrator roles are growing at 4% YoY while Data Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Data Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Systems Administrator to Data Analyst?+
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 Data Analyst?+
Data Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (50% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.