Information Security Analyst vs QA 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.
QA Engineer
Design and execute test strategies to ensure software quality.
Information Security Analyst earns more on average — the national median is $24,880/year (24%) higher than a QA Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Information Security Analyst vs QA Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Information Security Analyst | QA Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $184,843 | $151,085 | Information +$33,758 |
| New York, NY | $140,470 | $126,759 | Information +$13,711 |
| Seattle, WA | $188,507 | $150,155 | Information +$38,352 |
| Austin, TX | $148,073 | $114,009 | Information +$34,064 |
| Chicago, IL | $135,227 | $115,087 | Information +$20,140 |
| Boston, MA | $169,408 | $133,460 | Information +$35,948 |
| London, UK | £101,423 | £82,816 | Information +$18,607 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$172,721 | CA$136,813 | Information +$35,908 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Information Security Analyst or QA Engineer earn more?+
A Information Security Analyst earns more on average. The national median salary for a Information Security Analyst is $129,180/year, compared to $104,300/year for a QA Engineer — a difference of $24,880 (24%).
Which has better career growth — Information Security Analyst or QA Engineer?+
Information Security Analyst roles are growing at 32% YoY while QA Engineer demand is growing at 12% YoY. Information Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Information Security Analyst to QA 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 QA Engineer?+
Information Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (48% vs 62%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.