DevOps Engineer vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
DevOps Engineer
Automate infrastructure, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud deployments.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
DevOps Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $9,575/year (11%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
DevOps Engineer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | DevOps Engineer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $143,393 | $133,466 | DevOps +$9,927 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $109,717 | DevOps +$9,673 |
| Seattle, WA | $138,602 | $129,188 | DevOps +$9,414 |
| Austin, TX | $109,601 | $98,064 | DevOps +$11,537 |
| Chicago, IL | $106,405 | $98,234 | DevOps +$8,171 |
| Boston, MA | $130,457 | $114,557 | DevOps +$15,900 |
| London, UK | £75,853 | £70,022 | DevOps +$5,831 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$135,262 | CA$118,720 | DevOps +$16,542 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a DevOps Engineer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A DevOps Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a DevOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $9,575 (11%).
Which has better career growth — DevOps Engineer or Security Analyst?+
DevOps Engineer roles are growing at 28% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from DevOps Engineer 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 — DevOps Engineer or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 38%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.