Program Manager vs SOC 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.
SOC Analyst
Monitor security alerts and respond to incidents in a Security Operations Centre.
Program Manager earns more on average — the national median is $30,320/year (42%) higher than a SOC Analyst. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Program Manager vs SOC Analyst — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Program Manager | SOC Analyst | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $151,275 | $105,392 | Program +$45,883 |
| New York, NY | $124,570 | $140,470 | Program $15,900 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,148 | $101,114 | Program +$43,034 |
| Austin, TX | $113,017 | $81,440 | Program +$31,577 |
| Chicago, IL | $111,506 | $76,392 | Program +$35,114 |
| Boston, MA | $136,287 | $94,913 | Program +$41,374 |
| London, UK | £81,547 | £57,665 | Program +$23,882 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$139,548 | CA$93,306 | Program +$46,242 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Program Manager or SOC Analyst earn more?+
A Program Manager earns more on average. The national median salary for a Program Manager is $102,320/year, compared to $72,000/year for a SOC Analyst — a difference of $30,320 (42%).
Which has better career growth — Program Manager or SOC Analyst?+
Program Manager roles are growing at 15% YoY while SOC Analyst demand is growing at 28% YoY. SOC Analyst has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Program Manager 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 — Program Manager or SOC Analyst?+
SOC Analyst has a lower AI automation risk (35% vs 36%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.