Network Engineer vs SOC Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Network Engineer
Design, implement, and manage computer network infrastructure.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Network Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $62,050/year (86%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Network Engineer vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Network Engineer | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $195,491 | $105,392 | Network +$90,099 |
| New York, NY | $165,772 | $140,470 | Network +$25,302 |
| Seattle, WA | $192,889 | $101,114 | Network +$91,775 |
| Austin, TX | $149,704 | $81,440 | Network +$68,264 |
| Chicago, IL | $145,221 | $76,392 | Network +$68,829 |
| Boston, MA | $176,955 | $94,913 | Network +$82,042 |
| London, UK | £106,873 | £57,665 | Network +$49,208 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$177,211 | CA$93,306 | Network +$83,905 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Network Engineer or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Network Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Network Engineer is $134,050/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $62,050 (86%).
Which has better career growth — Network Engineer or SOC Analyst?+
Network Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Network Engineer 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 — Network Engineer or SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 52%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.