Analytics 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.
Analytics Engineer
Build and maintain the data models and pipelines that power business intelligence.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Analytics Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $30,530/year (34%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Analytics Engineer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Analytics Engineer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $171,525 | $133,466 | Analytics +$38,059 |
| New York, NY | $147,203 | $109,717 | Analytics +$37,486 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,765 | $129,188 | Analytics +$44,577 |
| Austin, TX | $131,230 | $98,064 | Analytics +$33,166 |
| Chicago, IL | $125,515 | $98,234 | Analytics +$27,281 |
| Boston, MA | $158,382 | $114,557 | Analytics +$43,825 |
| London, UK | £93,991 | £70,022 | Analytics +$23,969 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$163,067 | CA$118,720 | Analytics +$44,347 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Analytics Engineer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Analytics Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Analytics Engineer is $120,085/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $30,530 (34%).
Which has better career growth — Analytics Engineer or Security Analyst?+
Analytics Engineer roles are growing at 38% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Analytics Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Analytics 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 — Analytics Engineer or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.