Information Security Analyst vs Network Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Information Security Analyst
Protect organisational data and systems from cyber attacks.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer network infrastructure.
Network Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $4,870/year (4%) higher than a Information Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Information Security Analyst vs Network Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Information Security Analyst | Network Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $184,843 | $195,491 | Information $10,648 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $165,772 | Information $25,302 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,507 | $192,889 | Information $4,382 |
| Austin, TX | $148,073 | $149,704 | Information $1,631 |
| Chicago, IL | $135,227 | $145,221 | Information $9,994 |
| Boston, MA | $169,408 | $176,955 | Information $7,547 |
| London, UK | £101,423 | £106,873 | Information $5,450 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$172,721 | CA$177,211 | Information $4,490 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Information Security Analyst or Network Engineer earn more?+
A Network Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Information Security Analyst is $129,180/year, compared to $134,050/year for a Network Engineer — a difference of $4,870 (4%).
Which has better career growth — Information Security Analyst or Network Engineer?+
Information Security Analyst roles are growing at 32% YoY while Network Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Information Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Information Security Analyst to Network 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 — Information Security Analyst or Network Engineer?+
Information Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.