AI Safety Researcher 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 Safety Researcher
Research methods to make AI systems safer, more aligned, and interpretable.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $8,065/year (10%) higher than a AI Safety Researcher. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AI Safety Researcher vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AI Safety Researcher | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $118,871 | $133,466 | AI $14,595 |
| New York, NY | $79,460 | $109,717 | AI $30,257 |
| Seattle, WA | $113,639 | $129,188 | AI $15,549 |
| Austin, TX | $92,366 | $98,064 | AI $5,698 |
| Chicago, IL | $85,872 | $98,234 | AI $12,362 |
| Boston, MA | $107,617 | $114,557 | AI $6,940 |
| London, UK | £63,159 | £70,022 | AI $6,863 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$111,112 | CA$118,720 | AI $7,608 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AI Safety Researcher or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a AI Safety Researcher is $81,490/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $8,065 (10%).
Which has better career growth — AI Safety Researcher or Security Analyst?+
AI Safety Researcher roles are growing at 65% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. AI Safety Researcher has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AI Safety Researcher 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 Safety Researcher or Security Analyst?+
AI Safety Researcher has a lower AI automation risk (8% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.