AI Engineer vs Information Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
AI Engineer
Build AI-powered products and integrate LLMs into applications.
Information Security Analyst
Protect organisational data and systems from cyber attacks.
Information Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $8,950/year (7%) higher than a AI Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AI Engineer vs Information Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AI Engineer | Information Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,327 | $184,843 | AI $11,516 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $140,470 | AI $4,490 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,703 | $188,507 | AI $14,804 |
| Austin, TX | $137,883 | $148,073 | AI $10,190 |
| Chicago, IL | $129,960 | $135,227 | AI $5,267 |
| Boston, MA | $159,072 | $169,408 | AI $10,336 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £101,423 | AI $23,207 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$172,721 | AI $38,456 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AI Engineer or Information Security Analyst earn more?+
A Information Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a AI Engineer is $120,230/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Information Security Analyst — a difference of $8,950 (7%).
Which has better career growth — AI Engineer or Information Security Analyst?+
AI Engineer roles are growing at 55% YoY while Information Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AI Engineer to Information Security 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 — AI Engineer or Information Security Analyst?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 48%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.