Full Stack Developer vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Full Stack Developer
Build both frontend and backend of web applications.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Full Stack Developer earns more on average — the national median is $46,425/year (52%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Full Stack Developer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Full Stack Developer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $198,461 | $133,466 | Full +$64,995 |
| New York, NY | $159,461 | $109,717 | Full +$49,744 |
| Seattle, WA | $190,473 | $129,188 | Full +$61,285 |
| Austin, TX | $150,833 | $98,064 | Full +$52,769 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,057 | $98,234 | Full +$47,823 |
| Boston, MA | $175,364 | $114,557 | Full +$60,807 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £70,022 | Full +$3,920 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$118,720 | Full +$7,432 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Full Stack Developer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Full Stack Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Full Stack Developer is $135,980/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $46,425 (52%).
Which has better career growth — Full Stack Developer or Security Analyst?+
Full Stack Developer roles are growing at 24% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Full Stack Developer 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 — Full Stack Developer or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 46%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.