Data Scientist vs Security Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Data Scientist
Analyse large datasets and build predictive models to drive decisions.
Security Engineer
Protect systems, networks, and applications from cyber threats.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $8,950/year (7%) higher than a Data Scientist. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Data Scientist vs Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Data Scientist | Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $176,777 | $188,453 | Data $11,676 |
| New York, NY | $135,980 | $140,470 | Data $4,490 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,186 | $186,157 | Data $12,971 |
| Austin, TX | $130,733 | $141,154 | Data $10,421 |
| Chicago, IL | $132,415 | $136,578 | Data $4,163 |
| Boston, MA | $156,115 | $169,875 | Data $13,760 |
| London, UK | £78,216 | £103,925 | Data $25,709 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$134,265 | CA$169,373 | Data $35,108 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Data Scientist or Security Engineer earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Data Scientist is $120,230/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Security Engineer — a difference of $8,950 (7%).
Which has better career growth — Data Scientist or Security Engineer?+
Data Scientist roles are growing at 36% YoY while Security Engineer demand is growing at 32% YoY. Data Scientist has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Data Scientist to Security Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: Python.
Which is harder to automate — Data Scientist or Security Engineer?+
Security Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (32% vs 40%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.