AI Engineer vs Security Engineer: 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 Engineer
Protect systems, networks, and applications from cyber threats.
Security Engineer 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 Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AI Engineer | Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $173,327 | $188,453 | AI $15,126 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $140,470 | AI $4,490 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,703 | $186,157 | AI $12,454 |
| Austin, TX | $137,883 | $141,154 | AI $3,271 |
| Chicago, IL | $129,960 | $136,578 | AI $6,618 |
| Boston, MA | $159,072 | $169,875 | AI $10,803 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £103,925 | AI $25,709 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$169,373 | AI $35,108 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AI Engineer or Security Engineer earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a AI Engineer is $120,230/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Security Engineer — a difference of $8,950 (7%).
Which has better career growth — AI Engineer or Security Engineer?+
AI Engineer roles are growing at 55% YoY while Security Engineer demand is growing at 32% YoY. AI Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AI Engineer to Security Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — AI Engineer or Security Engineer?+
AI Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (18% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.