Program Manager vs Security Analyst: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Program Manager
Coordinate multiple related projects to achieve strategic objectives.
Security Analyst
Monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents and threats.
Program Manager earns more on average — the national median is $12,765/year (14%) higher than a Security Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Program Manager vs Security Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Program Manager | Security Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,275 | $133,466 | Program +$17,809 |
| New York, NY | $124,570 | $109,717 | Program +$14,853 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,148 | $129,188 | Program +$14,960 |
| Austin, TX | $113,017 | $98,064 | Program +$14,953 |
| Chicago, IL | $111,506 | $98,234 | Program +$13,272 |
| Boston, MA | $136,287 | $114,557 | Program +$21,730 |
| London, UK | £81,547 | £70,022 | Program +$11,525 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$139,548 | CA$118,720 | Program +$20,828 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Manager or Security Analyst earn more?+
A Program Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Program Manager is $102,320/year, compared to $89,555/year for a Security Analyst — a difference of $12,765 (14%).
Which has better career growth — Program Manager or Security Analyst?+
Program Manager roles are growing at 15% YoY while Security Analyst demand is growing at 32% YoY. Security Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Program Manager 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 — Program Manager or Security Analyst?+
Security Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 36%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.