Autonomous Systems Engineer vs SOC Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Autonomous Systems Engineer
Develop perception, planning, and control systems for autonomous vehicles and drones.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $82,686/year (115%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Autonomous Systems Engineer vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Autonomous Systems Engineer | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $227,579 | $105,392 | Autonomous +$122,187 |
| New York, NY | $135,300 | $140,470 | Autonomous $5,170 |
| Seattle, WA | $225,151 | $101,114 | Autonomous +$124,037 |
| Austin, TX | $173,358 | $81,440 | Autonomous +$91,918 |
| Chicago, IL | $166,278 | $76,392 | Autonomous +$89,886 |
| Boston, MA | $196,361 | $94,913 | Autonomous +$101,448 |
| London, UK | £122,075 | £57,665 | Autonomous +$64,410 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$202,448 | CA$93,306 | Autonomous +$109,142 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Autonomous Systems Engineer or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Autonomous Systems Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Autonomous Systems Engineer is $154,686/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $82,686 (115%).
Which has better career growth — Autonomous Systems Engineer or SOC Analyst?+
Autonomous Systems Engineer roles are growing at 42% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. Autonomous Systems Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Autonomous Systems Engineer 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 — Autonomous Systems Engineer or SOC Analyst?+
Autonomous Systems Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (20% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.