MLOps Engineer vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
MLOps Engineer
Build and maintain infrastructure for deploying machine learning models at scale.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
MLOps Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $9,575/year (11%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
MLOps Engineer vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | MLOps Engineer | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $144,519 | $133,466 | MLOps +$11,053 |
| New York, NY | $119,390 | $109,717 | MLOps +$9,673 |
| Seattle, WA | $139,997 | $129,188 | MLOps +$10,809 |
| Austin, TX | $107,475 | $98,064 | MLOps +$9,411 |
| Chicago, IL | $108,552 | $98,234 | MLOps +$10,318 |
| Boston, MA | $133,124 | $114,557 | MLOps +$18,567 |
| London, UK | £79,867 | £70,022 | MLOps +$9,845 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,108 | CA$118,720 | MLOps +$11,388 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a MLOps Engineer or Security Analyst earn more?+
A MLOps Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a MLOps Engineer is $99,130/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $9,575 (11%).
Which has better career growth — MLOps Engineer or Security Analyst?+
MLOps Engineer roles are growing at 52% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. MLOps Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from MLOps Engineer 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 — MLOps Engineer or Security Analyst?+
MLOps Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (22% vs 30%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.