Systems Administrator vs SOC 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Systems Administrator earns more on average — the national median is $27,130/year (38%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Systems Administrator vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Systems Administrator | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $146,173 | $105,392 | Systems +$40,781 |
| New York, NY | $120,157 | $140,470 | Systems $20,313 |
| Seattle, WA | $143,912 | $101,114 | Systems +$42,798 |
| Austin, TX | $108,712 | $81,440 | Systems +$27,272 |
| Chicago, IL | $104,809 | $76,392 | Systems +$28,417 |
| Boston, MA | $127,175 | $94,913 | Systems +$32,262 |
| London, UK | £76,827 | £57,665 | Systems +$19,162 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,867 | CA$93,306 | Systems +$37,561 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Systems Administrator or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Systems Administrator earns more on average. The national median salary for a Systems Administrator is $99,130/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $27,130 (38%).
Which has better career growth — Systems Administrator or SOC Analyst?+
Systems Administrator roles are growing at 4% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Systems Administrator to SOC 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 SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 64%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.