Developer Advocate vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Developer Advocate
Bridge the gap between technical products and developer communities.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Developer Advocate earns more on average — the national median is $27,025/year (30%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Developer Advocate vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Developer Advocate | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $166,104 | $133,466 | Developer +$32,638 |
| New York, NY | $141,893 | $109,717 | Developer +$32,176 |
| Seattle, WA | $166,434 | $129,188 | Developer +$37,246 |
| Austin, TX | $126,610 | $98,064 | Developer +$28,546 |
| Chicago, IL | $124,265 | $98,234 | Developer +$26,031 |
| Boston, MA | $150,004 | $114,557 | Developer +$35,447 |
| London, UK | £89,845 | £70,022 | Developer +$19,823 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$151,255 | CA$118,720 | Developer +$32,535 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Developer Advocate or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Developer Advocate earns more on average. The national median salary for a Developer Advocate is $116,580/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $27,025 (30%).
Which has better career growth — Developer Advocate or Security Analyst?+
Developer Advocate roles are growing at 18% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Developer Advocate 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 — Developer Advocate or Security Analyst?+
Developer Advocate has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.