AR/VR Developer vs SOC 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
AR/VR Developer earns more on average — the national median is $63,980/year (89%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
AR/VR Developer vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | AR/VR Developer | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $194,489 | $105,392 | AR/VR +$89,097 |
| New York, NY | $166,830 | $140,470 | AR/VR +$26,360 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,885 | $101,114 | AR/VR +$87,771 |
| Austin, TX | $153,759 | $81,440 | AR/VR +$72,319 |
| Chicago, IL | $144,495 | $76,392 | AR/VR +$68,103 |
| Boston, MA | $172,806 | $94,913 | AR/VR +$77,893 |
| London, UK | £103,650 | £57,665 | AR/VR +$45,985 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$175,134 | CA$93,306 | AR/VR +$81,828 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a AR/VR Developer or SOC 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 $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $63,980 (89%).
Which has better career growth — AR/VR Developer or SOC Analyst?+
AR/VR Developer roles are growing at 38% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. AR/VR Developer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from AR/VR Developer to SOC 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 SOC Analyst?+
AR/VR Developer has a lower AI automation risk (28% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.