Data Scientist
$111,905
avg. annual salary
Cybersecurity Analyst
pays more on average
Cybersecurity Analyst
$116,477
avg. annual salary
In today’s data-driven world, career prospects in technology are rapidly evolving. Two of the most sought-after roles in this domain are Data Scientists and Cybersecurity Analysts. While both positions offer promising salaries and career advancement opportunities, they cater to different skill sets and interests. Understanding the salary differences, benefits, and career paths associated with each role can help you make an informed decision about your professional future. This comprehensive guide will compare the key aspects of these careers, focusing on salary statistics, required skills, job responsibilities, and growth potential in the tech industry. Whether you’re deciding on a career change or exploring options post-graduation, this comparison will provide valuable insight into both fields.
Salary by Experience Level
starting salary
starting salary
avg. difference (4%)
Salary Overview
As of 2025, the average salary for a Data Scientist is approximately $120,000, with a range between $95,000 and $150,000, depending on experience and location. In contrast, Cybersecurity Analysts earn an average of $100,000, with salaries typically ranging from $75,000 to $130,000.
While Data Scientists generally command higher salaries, Cybersecurity Analysts enjoy high demand and competitive pay as well.
Salary by Experience Level
1. Entry-Level: A Data Scientist may start with a salary around $85,000, while entry-level Cybersecurity Analysts typically earn around $70,000.
2. Mid-Level: With 3-5 years of experience, Data Scientists can earn $105,000, compared to $90,000 for Mid-Level Cybersecurity Analysts.
3. Senior Level: Data Scientists with extensive experience can make $140,000 or more, while Senior Cybersecurity Analysts average $110,000.
Salary by Location
Salaries for both roles can vary significantly based on location. Major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York usually offer the highest salaries.
For instance, Data Scientists in San Francisco can earn upwards of $150,000, while Cybersecurity Analysts in the same area may earn around $130,000. Factors like cost of living and demand for skills heavily influence salary ranges.
Benefits and Perks
Both roles typically come with appealing benefits. Data Scientists often enjoy perks such as remote work options, flexible hours, and generous bonuses.
Cybersecurity Analysts may benefit from job stability due to high demand and often receive additional training opportunities. Companies might also offer health benefits, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement for ongoing education.
Career Path and Growth Potential
Data Scientists have a clear trajectory that can lead to roles such as Senior Data Scientist, Data Engineering Manager, or even Chief Data Officer. The field is continuously evolving, with opportunities in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
On the other hand, Cybersecurity Analysts can advance to roles like Security Architect, Cybersecurity Manager, or Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). As cyber threats continue to grow, the demand for skilled analysts will likely persist.
Conclusion
Both Data Scientists and Cybersecurity Analysts have promising career paths with competitive salaries. If you're inclined towards data analysis and predictive modeling, becoming a Data Scientist may be the way to go.
Alternatively, if you are passionate about protecting systems and implementing security protocols, a role as a Cybersecurity Analyst could suit you better. Understanding the nuanced differences in salaries, benefits, and career trajectories can help you make the best choice for your future.
Detailed Salary Comparison
In the U. S.
, typical data scientist salaries range from about $95,000 to $150,000 (median ≈ $115,000), while cybersecurity analysts usually fall between $75,000 and $130,000 (median ≈ $100,000). Industry matters: finance and tech often pay 10–25% above national averages; government roles trend ~10% lower.
Experience adds roughly 3–5% per year to base pay. Certifications (CISSP, CEH, CompTIA Security+) raise cybersecurity pay ~8–15%; deep ML skills or a master’s can boost data scientist pay similarly.
Actionable takeaways:
- •If you want faster salary growth, focus on finance or tech roles (+10–25%).
- •For cybersecurity, obtain CISSP or CEH to increase pay by ~10%.
- •For data science, develop production ML (TensorFlow/PyTorch) and SQL to move toward the $130k+ range.