Cybersecurity or Data Analytics: Which Career Pays More?

Published: 3 Oct 2025

Are you wondering whether to choose cybersecurity or data analytics as a career? Both fields are booming right now. Every company needs people who can keep their data safe and also people who can turn data into smart business decisions.

But here’s the big question: which pays more, cybersecurity or data analytics? Money isn’t everything, but it’s often one of the first things people want to know before picking a career path.

In this blog, we’ll break it down in simple words. We’ll look at what each job involves, how much you can expect to earn, and where the best career opportunities are. By the end, you’ll know which path might be right for you.

What is Cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is all about keeping digital information safe. Think of it as locking the doors and windows of a house—but instead of protecting your home, you protect computer systems, networks, and data.

For example, when you shop online, cybersecurity tools keep your credit card details safe. When a company stores customer data, cybersecurity professionals make sure hackers can’t break in.

Here are some common jobs in this field:

  • Security Analyst – monitors systems and stops attacks.
  • Penetration Tester – acts like a “friendly hacker” to find weak spots before criminals do.
  • Cybersecurity Professional – creates strategies and tools to fight cyber threats.

Why does this matter? Every business—banks, hospitals, even schools—needs people who can guard their data. That’s why a career in cybersecurity is in such high demand.

What is Data Analytics?

Data analytics is the process of studying information to find patterns and make smart decisions. Think of it like being a detective, but instead of clues on paper, you look at numbers and data sets.

For example, when you watch movies on Netflix, the platform suggests shows you might like. That happens because data analysts study your viewing history and compare it with millions of others. Another example is how stores track sales data to know which products people buy most.

Here are some common roles in this field:

  • Data Analyst – studies numbers and creates reports.
  • Data Scientist – uses math and machine learning to predict future trends.
  • Big Data Specialist – works with huge amounts of information in real time.

Why is this important? Businesses everywhere rely on data-driven decisions. From healthcare to finance, data analytics helps leaders plan better, save money, and serve customers more effectively. That’s why a career in data analytics keeps growing year after year.

Salary Comparison: Cybersecurity vs Data Analytics

Youtube Video Thumbnail

When it comes to pay, many people ask the same question: which pays more, cybersecurity or data analytics? Let’s look at both.

Cybersecurity Salaries

Cybersecurity jobs usually start strong. An entry-level security analyst can earn between $60,000–$80,000 per year in many countries. As you move up to roles like penetration tester or senior cybersecurity professional, salaries can rise above $120,000 per year.

Why the high pay? The answer is simple: cyber threats are growing every day. Companies are willing to pay more to keep their systems safe. For example, banks often hire cybersecurity experts to protect millions of customer accounts.

Data Analytics Salaries

Data analytics also offers attractive pay. An entry-level data analyst usually earns between $55,000–$75,000 per year. As you grow into roles like data scientist or big data specialist, you could make $110,000–$140,000 per year, sometimes even more in top industries like tech and healthcare.

The reason? Businesses rely on data-driven decisions to stay competitive. For example, online retailers hire data scientists to predict customer trends and increase sales.

Which Pays More?

So, which pays more, cybersecurity or data analytics? On average, cybersecurity professionals tend to earn slightly more at the entry and mid-level stages. But data scientists and advanced analytics roles often close the gap—and sometimes even pass cybersecurity salaries at the top end.

Tip: Your salary also depends on your career path, location, industry, and skills. A cybersecurity expert in finance may earn more than a data analyst in retail. But a machine learning specialist in healthcare could out-earn many cybersecurity roles.

Skills, Career Opportunities & Future Outlook

Skills, Career Opportunities & Future Outlook
Skills, Career Opportunities & Future Outlook

Choosing between cybersecurity or data analytics isn’t just about pay. It’s also about the skills you have, the career path you want, and the opportunities waiting for you.

Skills You Need

  • Cybersecurity: You need strong problem-solving skills. A background in computer science helps. Many roles require knowledge of networks, coding, and how hackers think. For example, a penetration tester uses ethical hacking to test systems.
  • Data Analytics: You need math, statistics, and coding skills. You also work with machine learning tools to make predictions. For example, a data analyst might study customer purchases in real time to help a store plan discounts.

Career Opportunities

  • Cybersecurity Professionals: Demand keeps rising because new cyber threats appear every day. Jobs range from security analysts to senior managers. Even small businesses now hire experts to protect their systems.
  • Data Analytics Professionals: Companies across every industry—healthcare, retail, sports, and more—need people who can turn numbers into clear insights. The career path often starts with data analysis and grows into data science or leadership roles.

Future Outlook

Both fields are growing fast.

  • Cybersecurity: The future looks strong as businesses need more security professionals to protect sensitive data.
  • Data Analytics: With big data and AI shaping industries, demand for experts who can leverage data will only increase.

Quick Advice: If you love solving puzzles and protecting people, cybersecurity may be your path. If you enjoy numbers and finding patterns, data analytics may fit you better.

Conclusion

So, which pays more—cybersecurity or data analytics? The answer is close. Cybersecurity professionals often earn a bit more at the start, especially in roles like security analyst or penetration tester. But advanced data science and big data jobs can match or even pass those salaries in the long run.

The truth is, both careers offer great career opportunities and solid pay. Cybersecurity shines if you want to fight cyber threats and protect people. Data analytics is perfect if you love numbers and want to help businesses make data-driven decisions.

At the end of the day, the best path is the one that matches your skills and interests. Do you enjoy defending systems? Go for cybersecurity. Do you enjoy finding stories in data? Data analytics could be your future. Either way, you’ll step into a growing, high-paying field with plenty of room to grow.

FAQs-Cybersecurity vs Data Analytics

Which career pays more, cybersecurity or data analytics?

Cybersecurity often pays more at the entry and mid-level stages. But senior data scientists can earn salaries that match or even beat top cybersecurity roles. It depends on your skills, industry, and location.

Is cybersecurity harder than data analytics?

Cybersecurity is challenging because you’re always fighting new cyber threats. Data analytics can be tough too, since it involves math, coding, and working with big data. Both require learning, but your choice depends on whether you enjoy problem-solving or numbers.

Do I need a computer science degree for either career?

A degree in computer science helps, but it’s not always required. Many people enter these fields through online courses, bootcamps, or certifications. What matters most are your skills and ability to apply them.

Can I switch from data analytics to cybersecurity (or vice versa)?

Yes, many skills overlap, like coding and problem-solving. For example, understanding how to work with data can help in cybersecurity analysis. With the right training, moving between the two is possible.

Which has more jobs: cybersecurity or data analytics?

Both fields are growing fast. Cybersecurity jobs are in high demand because of rising online attacks, while data analytics roles are booming as businesses use data-driven decisions. You won’t run out of opportunities in either field.

Sources

Here are some trusted references you can explore to learn more about salaries, skills, and the future of careers in cybersecurity and data analytics:

Sareer Ahmad Avatar

Sareer Ahmad is a results-driven SEO specialist with expertise in Local SEO, Semantic SEO, E-commerce SEO, and Content Marketing. With over two years of experience, he helps businesses improve rankings, boost organic traffic, and build sustainable digital growth.

Please Write Your Comments
Comments (0)
Leave your comment.
Write a comment
INSTRUCTIONS:
  • Be Respectful
  • Stay Relevant
  • Stay Positive
  • True Feedback
  • Encourage Discussion
  • Avoid Spamming
  • No Fake News
  • Don't Copy-Paste
  • No Personal Attacks
`