Game 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.
Game Developer
Build video games for PC, console, and mobile platforms.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Game 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.
Game Developer vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Game Developer | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $193,262 | $105,392 | Game +$87,870 |
| New York, NY | $160,244 | $140,470 | Game +$19,774 |
| Seattle, WA | $191,791 | $101,114 | Game +$90,677 |
| Austin, TX | $153,586 | $81,440 | Game +$72,146 |
| Chicago, IL | $149,561 | $76,392 | Game +$73,169 |
| Boston, MA | $175,129 | $94,913 | Game +$80,216 |
| London, UK | £103,778 | £57,665 | Game +$46,113 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$181,136 | CA$93,306 | Game +$87,830 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Game Developer or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Game Developer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Game 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 — Game Developer or SOC Analyst?+
Game Developer roles are growing at 14% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Game 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 — Game Developer or SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.