Enterprise Architect vs Security Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Enterprise Architect
Align IT architecture with business strategy at the enterprise level.
Security Engineer
Protect systems, networks, and applications from cyber threats.
Security Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $12,600/year (11%) higher than a Enterprise Architect. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Enterprise Architect vs Security Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Enterprise Architect | Security Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $174,584 | $188,453 | Enterprise $13,869 |
| New York, NY | $138,849 | $140,470 | Enterprise $1,621 |
| Seattle, WA | $170,016 | $186,157 | Enterprise $16,141 |
| Austin, TX | $128,905 | $141,154 | Enterprise $12,249 |
| Chicago, IL | $126,306 | $136,578 | Enterprise $10,272 |
| Boston, MA | $150,648 | $169,875 | Enterprise $19,227 |
| London, UK | £92,059 | £103,925 | Enterprise $11,866 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$158,112 | CA$169,373 | Enterprise $11,261 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Enterprise Architect or Security Engineer earn more?+
A Security Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Enterprise Architect is $116,580/year, compared to $129,180/year for a Security Engineer — a difference of $12,600 (11%).
Which has better career growth — Enterprise Architect or Security Engineer?+
Enterprise Architect roles are growing at 18% YoY while Security Engineer demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Enterprise Architect to Security Engineer?+
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 — Enterprise Architect or Security Engineer?+
Enterprise Architect has a lower AI automation risk (25% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.