Full Stack Developer vs SOC 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Full Stack Developer earns more on average — the national median is $63,980/year (89%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Full Stack Developer vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Full Stack Developer | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $198,461 | $105,392 | Full +$93,069 |
| New York, NY | $159,461 | $140,470 | Full +$18,991 |
| Seattle, WA | $190,473 | $101,114 | Full +$89,359 |
| Austin, TX | $150,833 | $81,440 | Full +$69,393 |
| Chicago, IL | $146,057 | $76,392 | Full +$69,665 |
| Boston, MA | $175,364 | $94,913 | Full +$80,451 |
| London, UK | £73,942 | £57,665 | Full +$16,277 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$126,152 | CA$93,306 | Full +$32,846 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Full Stack Developer or SOC 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 $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $63,980 (89%).
Which has better career growth — Full Stack Developer or SOC Analyst?+
Full Stack Developer roles are growing at 24% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Full Stack Developer to SOC 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 SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 46%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.