AI Engineer vs 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.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
AI Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $30,675/year (34%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AI Engineer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AI Engineer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,327 | $133,466 | AI +$39,861 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $109,717 | AI +$26,263 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,703 | $129,188 | AI +$44,515 |
| Austin, TX | $137,883 | $98,064 | AI +$39,819 |
| Chicago, IL | $129,960 | $98,234 | AI +$31,726 |
| Boston, MA | $159,072 | $114,557 | AI +$44,515 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £70,022 | AI +$8,194 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$118,720 | AI +$15,545 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AI Engineer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A AI Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a AI Engineer is $120,230/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $30,675 (34%).
Which has better career growth — AI Engineer or Security Analyst?+
AI Engineer roles are growing at 55% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AI Engineer to 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 Security Analyst?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.