AR/VR Developer vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
AR/VR Developer
Build augmented and virtual reality experiences for gaming, enterprise, and training.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
AR/VR Developer earns more on average — the national median is $46,425/year (52%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AR/VR Developer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AR/VR Developer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,489 | $133,466 | AR/VR +$61,023 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $109,717 | AR/VR +$57,113 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,885 | $129,188 | AR/VR +$59,697 |
| Austin, TX | $153,759 | $98,064 | AR/VR +$55,695 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,495 | $98,234 | AR/VR +$46,261 |
| Boston, MA | $172,806 | $114,557 | AR/VR +$58,249 |
| London, UK | £103,650 | £70,022 | AR/VR +$33,628 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$175,134 | CA$118,720 | AR/VR +$56,414 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AR/VR Developer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A AR/VR Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a AR/VR Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $46,425 (52%).
Which has better career growth — AR/VR Developer or Security Analyst?+
AR/VR Developer roles are growing at 38% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AR/VR Developer 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 — AR/VR Developer or Security Analyst?+
AR/VR Developer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.